MoPSW’s ₹1,057 crore Fishing Harbour Projects empower coastal communities and strengthen India’s Blue Economy
NEW DELHI : In a significant boost to India’s coastal infrastructure and fisheries sector, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has successfully completed 11 modern fishing harbour projects with a cumulative investment of ₹1,057 crore, creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities and strengthening the nation’s Blue Economy. ‘Empowering Coastal communities, Strengthening Livelihood .’
The projects are expected to benefit more than 35,000 fishermen and allied workers by providing improved infrastructure, enhanced market access, and modern post-harvest facilities.
Developed under the Government of India’s flagship Sagarmala Programme, these fishing harbours are designed to transform traditional fishing ecosystems through the creation of world-class facilities, including modern berthing spaces, hygienic fish handling areas, auction halls, cold storage units, ice plants, processing facilities, and improved road connectivity.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve fish quality, enhance value realisation for fishermen, and strengthen the overall seafood supply chain.
Officials noted that the projects are not only improving operational efficiency at fishing harbours but are also creating employment opportunities across allied sectors such as fish processing, transportation, logistics, packaging, cold-chain management, and retail marketing.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader vision of promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across India’s coastal regions while enhancing the contribution of the fisheries sector to the national economy.
India, with a coastline spanning over 11,000 kilometres, possesses immense potential for marine fisheries and coastal economic development. Through strategic investments under the Sagarmala Programme, the government aims to unlock this potential by integrating port-led development with community welfare initiatives.
MoPSW stated that the modernisation of fishing infrastructure is playing a vital role in improving the ease of doing business for the fisheries sector while ensuring that the benefits of maritime growth reach grassroots communities.
These projects reflect the Ministry’s commitment to creating resilient coastal infrastructure, improving livelihoods, increasing fishermen’s incomes, and building a sustainable blue economy that contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Highlights:
11 fishing harbour projects completed
Total investment: ₹1,057 crore
Over 35,000 fishermen and allied workers to benefit
Enhanced fish landing, handling, storage, and auction facilities
Improved market connectivity and cold-chain infrastructure
Reduced post-harvest losses and improved price realisation
Increased employment opportunities across coastal value chains
Major boost to India’s blue economy and coastal development agenda
“From stronger infrastructure to better market access, these initiatives are empowering coastal communities and creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for India’s fisheries sector.”
