Fishing Harbour Upgrades Hit by Delay
The construction of permanent fixed jetties at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour has gained urgency following repeated appeals from the local fishing community. Progress on the project, however, has been slower than anticipated, with officials now estimating an additional six months for completion.
The initial design proposed floating jetties, but fishermen raised concerns over their durability during rough weather conditions and their suitability for regular operations. Responding to the feedback, the port authorities revised the plan to construct two permanent finger jetties near the existing Zero Jetty.
The project forms part of a nationwide initiative to modernise fishing harbours and strengthen marine export infrastructure. Approved in 2022 under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with an initial outlay of Rs 151.81 crore, the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour modernisation plan includes the construction of additional jetties and the upgrading of facilities across the four-acre complex.
At present, the harbour operates with 11 jetties, which once served around 400 fishing vessels. The current fleet, numbering nearly 680, has created the need for more berthing capacity. Although three floating jetties were initially proposed, the plan was withdrawn after consultations with fishermen.
Redesign work and delays have pushed the total cost of the project to Rs 178.51 crore. Funding is being shared by the Union Fisheries and Shipping Departments, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and public-private partners.
Major components such as the effluent treatment plant, internal roads, drainage canals, cold storage, packing unit, overhead tank, and administrative building have been completed. Construction on the finger jetties and fish auction halls is still in progress.
Joint Director of Fisheries P. Lakshmana Rao attributed the delay to frequent rain and storms that disrupted construction schedules. Originally slated for completion in November, the project is now expected to be finished by mid-2026.