Bhubaneswar: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the financial bid for construction of the second phase of the fishing harbour at Astaranga (Nuagarh) in Puri district at an estimated cost of Rs 133.81 crore, excluding GST.The project is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s marine fisheries infrastructure and promoting a sustainable, high-value fisheries sector. The harbour is expected to be completed within 24 months, with IIT Madras serving as the project management consultant (PMC).The proposed facility will include landing and berthing infrastructure, idle quay, auction hall, net-mending and gear sheds, market complex, slipway and boat-repair facilities. Round-the-clock water and power supply will be provided to ensure hygienic fish handling and improve operational efficiency.Once operational, the harbour will be capable of providing safe landing and berthing facilities for 1,960 mechanised fishing vessels. It is expected to handle an annual fish catch of 55,876 metric tonnes, valued at around Rs 496.36 crore.Officials said about 35,000 fishermen and stakeholders associated with the fisheries sector are expected to benefit directly from the project. The harbour is also expected to strengthen the fish marketing chain, improve post-harvest infrastructure and generate employment opportunities in the coastal region.The project is part of the state’s efforts to modernise fisheries infrastructure and boost incomes of fishing communities while enhancing the sector’s contribution to the economy.
