Vizhinjam’s fishing community could soon see improvements to its harbour infrastructure, bringing renewed attention to the facilities available alongside the international seaport. The Kerala government has granted in principle administrative approval for the revised Vizhinjam fishing harbour project, paving the way for its first construction package. The initiative aims to improve fishing boat safety and fish handling facilities, with construction expected to move forward within the targeted schedule.
The first phase of the revised project focuses on essential marine infrastructure and supporting facilities designed to improve harbour operations. The package includes:
The planned improvements are intended to provide safer berthing arrangements and better conditions for loading and unloading fish. These facilities could help address operational difficulties faced by fishermen following the development of the international seaport.
Concerns about the safety and calmness of the existing fishing harbour entrance prompted a reassessment of the proposed facility. The fishing community and the Harbour Engineering Department raised issues regarding water conditions after the construction of the seaport’s breakwater structures.
The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) subsequently conducted physical wave model studies to examine these concerns. Its findings led to a revised harbour design, with substantial changes to the original proposal.
The updated plan modifies several elements, including:
Following these recommendations, the government issued a Change of Scope Notice to Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL), the concessionaire responsible for the international seaport. The latest approval allows the revised first package to proceed under Article 16 of the concession agreement, using its funded works provisions.
The new fishing harbour is linked to the commitments attached to the environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances granted for Phase I of Vizhinjam International Seaport. Those clearances included a requirement to develop an additional fish landing centre to benefit the local fishing community.
The revised project therefore addresses both the infrastructure commitment and concerns about fishing operations near the port. Its implementation through AVPPL is expected to help advance the long pending harbour development while improving facilities for fishermen.
The in-principle sanction marks progress towards strengthening fishing infrastructure in Vizhinjam after years of delay. The revised design reflects the concerns raised by the fishing community and the technical recommendations from CWPRS.
With administrative approval now granted for the first package, construction could begin sooner, subject to implementation arrangements and the targeted project timeline. The proposed breakwater, fishery berth and supporting facilities are expected to improve everyday harbour operations, provided the revised works proceed as planned.
1. What is the Vizhinjam fishing harbour project?
The Vizhinjam fishing harbour project in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a proposed facility intended to improve fishing infrastructure alongside Vizhinjam International Seaport. Its first package has received in principle administrative approval.
2. What are the main features of the revised Vizhinjam fishing harbour?
The revised Vizhinjam fishing harbour project includes a 235-metre breakwater, a 500-metre L shaped fishery berth, dredging, lighting and road connectivity.
3. Which company will implement the Vizhinjam fishing harbour project?
Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL), the concessionaire of Vizhinjam International Seaport, will implement the revised first package under the funded works provisions of the concession agreement.
4. Why was the Vizhinjam fishing harbour design changed?
The Vizhinjam fishing harbour design was revised after concerns about water conditions at the existing harbour entrance following construction of the seaport breakwater. CWPRS conducted physical wave model studies and recommended changes to the layout.
5. What role did CWPRS play in the Vizhinjam harbour project?
The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) carried out physical wave model studies for the Vizhinjam fishing harbour and recommended a revised configuration involving changes to the breakwater and fishery berth.
6. How is the Vizhinjam fishing harbour linked to environmental clearance?
The Vizhinjam fishing harbour forms part of the commitments associated with the environmental and CRZ clearances for Phase I of Vizhinjam International Seaport, which envisaged an additional fish landing centre for the fishing community.
