Sagarmala Programme relationships — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2026

Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India:

1. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure.
2. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings.
3. 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:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Relationship 1 is correct

• Sagarmala’s stated goal is port-led growth through coastal infrastructure. Actual outcomes like growth in coastal shipping and improved port rankings show this strategy worked, so Statement II validates Statement I.

Relationship 2 is correct

• Sagarmala 2.0 pursues the same port-led development goal but adds innovation and a 2047 national vision on top. It extends, not replaces, Statement I.

Relationship 3 is incorrect

• Statement I talks about infrastructure as a foundation. Statement III talks about innovation built on that foundation. One does not negate the other.

Answer: (b) 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy