The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) is set on a mission to double the city’s fish catch by 2031 through a comprehensive modernisation and upgradation project of the fishing harbour.

According to VPA officials, six out of seven phases of this ambitious project are already underway, with the seventh phase, a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) pile jetty, currently in the design stage.

Progress and Developments
In a recent update provided to The Hindu, VPA Executive Engineer Arun Kumar R outlined the advancements made so far. The structural work for several key facilities, including the net mending building, packing unit, parking area, office spaces, utilities, restroom, canteen, storage area, and the effluent treatment plant (ETP) for city and harbour waste, has been completed. Finishing touches are now being applied.

The ETP is scheduled to become operational in July. Additionally, the first phase of dredging and the installation of tyre fenders are completed. Phase two, which includes further dredging and the construction of an auction hall, is actively progressing. This modernisation is expected to significantly enhance existing facilities and introduce new infrastructure, directly benefiting around 15,000 families through job creation.

Projected Growth
Mr. Arun highlighted the project’s potential to boost fish catch rates. "An estimated 5% annual growth rate in catch will see an increase from the current 0.70 lakh metric tonnes to 1.16 lakh metric tonnes by 2031. Daily fish catch is projected to rise from 150 metric tonnes to 383 metric tonnes," he said. This increase will be facilitated by modern amenities such as air-conditioned auction halls and conveyor belts, which will minimize handling damage to the fish.

Financial Outline
The total approved cost for the harbour modernisation project stands at ₹151.81 crore. Of this, ₹103.88 crore is allocated for civil and electrical works, ₹14.38 crore for mechanical equipment, ₹6 crore for dredging, and ₹27.55 crore for public-private partnership (PPP) sub-projects. VPA will invest ₹24.26 crore, while the Union Ministry of Fisheries and the Union Ministry of Ports will each contribute ₹50 crore, totaling ₹100 crore from both ministries.

Government Support
The project received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Ports on April 18, 2022, and from the Union Ministry of Fisheries on March 30, 2022, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme. This governmental backing underscores the strategic importance of the harbour's modernisation to boost the local economy and support the fishing community.

With these efforts, the VPA is poised to transform the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour into a modern facility, driving significant growth in fish catch and providing substantial benefits to the local community.

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