T’puram: The construction of the new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam is set to move into the execution stage in Oct, with the state govt advancing the final procedures for issuing a change-of-scope order for the project. Chief minister V D Satheesan will lay the foundation stone next month as part of the CM’s 100-Day programme, sources said.The response from Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd will be examined by the independent engineer before govt issues the final order, paving the way for commencement of the Rs 271-crore project.The change-of-scope notice has already been issued by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) to the concessionaire. A senior govt official said the process was at an advanced stage, and that govt expected the remaining formalities to be completed soon.“Adani’s response is expected within two weeks. The independent engineer will then examine the proposal and submit its recommendations before the final change-of-scope order is issued,” the official said.The independent engineer, Engineers India Ltd (EIL), will examine the proposed modifications and assess their technical and financial implications. The assessment will determine whether the changes would affect the sanctioned project cost, design, technical specifications or other contractual obligations.The project is being implemented under the concession agreement between the state govt and Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd. Under the funded works provisions of the agreement, the concessionaire is responsible for specific components of the fishing harbour project. Any deviation or modification to the approved scope therefore requires formal examination and approval.The harbour project, approved by the state Cabinet in March 2025, has been divided into two packages based on the final design prepared following studies by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune.The first package, estimated at Rs 146 crore, includes a 500m fishery berth, a 235m breakwater and allied infrastructure. It is to be executed through the concessionaire. The second package, costing Rs 125 crore, involves construction of a 250m breakwater at a 45-degree angle from the seaward breakwater of the existing fishing harbour and is to be executed by the harbour engineering department as deposit work.The new harbour is planned between the existing fishing harbour and the Vizhinjam International Seaport. It is expected to significantly improve berthing, unloading and fish-handling facilities for the fishing community, while also helping integrate traditional fishing activities with the infrastructure being developed around the international port.The need for additional fishing infrastructure is particularly significant at Vizhinjam. More than 2,800 vessels operate from the Vizhinjam South Fish Landing Centre and existing fishing harbour, while the number rises sharply during the rough-sea months when boats from other districts and states seek safer landing facilities at Vizhinjam.The planned facilities include fishing berths and jetties, an auction hall, locker rooms for fishing gear and engines, administrative facilities, toilet blocks and other supporting infrastructure. The proposal is aimed primarily at meeting the requirements of traditional fishing operations.CWPRS conducted physical wave-model studies to assess the impact of the Vizhinjam seaport breakwater and to determine suitable arrangements for the fisheries berth. Its studies considered multiple predominant wave directions before recommendations were submitted for the harbour design.The project also seeks to improve the stability of the entrance to the existing fishing harbour through an additional breakwater. The govt has said the design was finalised after consultations and discussions involving representatives of the fishing community.
