The foundation stone has been laid for a new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam, as part of a Rs 510 crore package covering harbour construction, modernisation of the existing facility and an extension to its breakwater. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the state government would address the concerns of the fishing community and improve academic facilities for children of fisherfolk.
The ceremony also marked the launch of a modernisation project for the existing fishing harbour and a project to extend the length of its breakwater. The initiatives are linked to development activity announced in connection with the Vizhinjam International Seaport project and are intended to improve infrastructure for fishing vessels and facilities for people engaged in fishing and related activities.
Of the total allocation, Rs 260 crore has been earmarked for the new fishing harbour. The remaining amount will cover the various associated projects, including the modernisation work and breakwater-related infrastructure. The projects are expected to create a dedicated harbour facility separate from the operational requirements of the international port.
The proposed harbour will include a dedicated wharf for berthing fishing boats, allowing vessels to use a designated area for docking. It will also have modern lockers for storing fishing nets and other equipment, along with an office complex for harbour-related activities.
Facilities for fish processing and storage are part of the plan, including refrigeration systems intended to help preserve the catch. The project will also include a toilet complex, a wide access road connecting the harbour to the main road network, a drinking water supply system and a solar power plant.
A smaller breakwater measuring around 135 metres will be constructed alongside the main breakwater of the international port. The breakwater project is among the infrastructure measures being taken alongside the new harbour and the modernisation of the existing facility.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone, Satheesan said the government was committed to supporting the fishing community and ensuring that its concerns were addressed. He also said better academic facilities would be introduced to improve educational opportunities for children of fishermen.
The projects place fishing-related infrastructure within the wider expansion of Vizhinjam, where the international seaport has driven new development activity. For fishers, the planned facilities cover the operational needs of berthing, equipment storage, processing, cold storage, access, sanitation, water supply and energy. The government has not provided a completion timeline for the projects in the information available.
