THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
OCTOBER 13, 2026
The Odisha Cabinet on
Tuesday approved the financial bid for the second phase of the Astaranga
(Nuagarh) Fishing Harbour project in Puri district at an execution cost of Rs
133.81 crore, excluding GST, in a move aimed at strengthening the state's
marine fisheries infrastructure and boosting the coastal economy.
The project is
scheduled to be completed within 24 months, with IIT Madras providing technical
assistance as the Project Management Consultant.
The proposed harbour
will feature modern fishing infrastructure, including landing and berthing
facilities, an auction hall, net-mending and fishing gear sheds, a market
complex, a slipway and boat-repair facilities. Round-the-clock water and
electricity supply will be provided to ensure hygienic fish handling and
improve the efficiency of marketing operations.
Designed to
accommodate 1,960 mechanised fishing vessels, the harbour is expected to handle
an annual fish catch of 55,876 metric tonnes, valued at around Rs 496.36 crore.
Approximately 35,000 fishermen and other stakeholders are expected to benefit
directly and indirectly from the project.
The facility is also
expected to significantly reduce post-harvest fish losses from around 20 per
cent to seven per cent through improved landing, handling, auctioning, storage
and market connectivity. Better infrastructure is likely to enhance fish
quality and shelf life, enabling fishermen to secure better prices for their
catch.
Beyond strengthening
fisheries operations, the harbour is expected to play an important role in
maritime 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 complement Odisha's Deep Sea Fishing Mission by strengthening shore-based infrastructure for the landing, handling, aggregation and marketing of marine fish, thereby improving the overall fisheries value chain.
The initiative is also aligned with the state's Vision 2036-47, which envisages the development of a modern, productive, sustainable and export-oriented fisheries sector as part of Odisha's broader Blue Economy ambitions.
