UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 25 of 96
UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Sagarmala Programme
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2026
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicHuman and Economic Geography
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India:
I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure.
II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings.
III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions.
Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?
1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I.
2. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework.
3. Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Answer: B. 1 and 2
Analysis
Relationship 1 is valid: Statement I outlines the vision of port-led economic growth through efficient and sustainable infrastructure, while Statement II provides measurable outcomes demonstrating the success of that strategy.
Relationship 2 is valid: Statement III introduces Sagarmala 2.0, which builds upon the original goals of port-led development by incorporating maritime innovation, startup participation (S2I2), and alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. It thus expands and modernises the vision articulated in Statement I.
Relationship 3 is invalid: There is no contradiction between the two statements. Statement I provides the foundational framework, while Statement III strengthens and advances it through innovation and long-term strategic goals. Since Sagarmala 2.0 is an extension of the original programme, the relationship is complementary rather than contradictory.
Relationships 1 and 2 are correct, so the answer is Option (b).
Statement by statement
Statement I is correct: The Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched in March 2015 with the objective of promoting port-led development through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure. The programme seeks to reduce logistics costs for both domestic and EXIM (export-import) cargo by improving port connectivity, enhancing port capacity, and integrating coastal and inland transportation networks.
Statement II is correct: According to recent government data, the initiative has contributed to a 118% increase in coastal shipping, a 700% rise in inland waterway cargo movement, and the emergence of nine Indian ports among the world's top 100 ports. These outcomes reflect significant improvements in maritime logistics efficiency, cargo handling capacity, and India's growing role in global maritime trade.
Statement III is correct: Sagarmala 2.0 represents the next phase of India's maritime development strategy. Aligned with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, it aims to accelerate port-led economic growth, strengthen coastal industrialisation, and position India as a leading global maritime power. The programme also emphasises innovation through initiatives such as the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2).