The draft design for
this project, estimated at Rs. 140 crores, is in the final stage. The new
fishing harbour will be built on a large embankment between the existing
fishing harbour at Vizhinjam and the Vizhinjam International Port.A 500-meter-long berth will be constructed
to accommodate even large fishing boats. The design is being prepared by the
Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune. The project is
being designed and will be constructed at Vizhinjam for the state government by
Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (Whistle).
According to earlier
decisions, the new fishing port was to be constructed after the completion of
the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Port. But, the project has been
delayed due to technical reasons. Of the
estimated cost, Rs. 70 crores have been allocated for the construction of the
new fishing port, and the remaining Rs. 70 crores have been earmarked for the
construction of a breakwater. Initially, the government had planned to
implement the project through Adani Port Company. However, due to some
significant changes in the design, the government will need to invite fresh
tenders for construction. The technical
expertise of the Adani Group will be considered while selecting companies for
the construction of the fishing port.