Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Tuesday approved the financial bid for the second phase of the Fishing Harbour project stage II at Astaranga (Nuagarh) in Puri district, with an execution cost of ₹133.81 crore, excluding GST.
The project is scheduled for completion within 24 months, with IIT Madras providing technical assistance as the Project Management Consultant.
The proposed harbour will have modern facilities, including landing and berthing space, an auction hall, net-mending and gear sheds, a market complex, a slipway and boat-repair facilities. Round-the-clock water and electricity supply will support hygienic fish handling and improve marketing infrastructure.
The harbour is designed to accommodate 1,960 mechanised fishing vessels and is expected to handle an annual fish catch of 55,876 metric tonnes, valued at around ₹496.36 crore. About 35,000 fishermen and other stakeholders are expected to benefit directly and indirectly from the project.
The project is also expected to reduce post-harvest fish losses from around 20 per cent to 7 per cent by improving landing, handling, auctioning, storage and market connectivity. Better infrastructure is expected to enhance fish quality and shelf life while helping fishermen secure better returns for their catch.
In addition to supporting fishing operations, the harbour will strengthen marine safety and coastal security by providing safe berthing facilities for Coast Guard and Marine Police vessels. Protected berthing arrangements will also help safeguard fishing boats during cyclones and other adverse weather conditions.
The project is expected to support Odisha’s Deep Sea Fishing Mission by strengthening shore-based facilities for landing, handling, aggregation and marketing of marine fish.
It is also aligned with the state’s Vision 2036-47 to develop a modern, productive, sustainable and export-oriented fisheries sector as part of its broader Blue Economy ambitions. The initiative is expected to generate employment, improve livelihoods and boost economic activity in the coastal region.
