Minister launches development works at two fishing ports

Fisheries Minister VE Abdul Gafoor inaugurated the second phase of the Koyilandy Fishing Port and Coastal Roads project on 23 October. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

The Kerala government is prioritizing infrastructure development in the fisheries sector, said Fisheries Minister VE Abdul Gafoor. Inaugurating work completed at the Puthiyappa fishing port under a development project implemented with the participation of the central and state governments on Friday (October 23), the minister said coastal development was a key priority of the government.

“Government will continue to implement programs aimed at improving the living standards of fishermen and ensuring their financial security. Housing and insurance coverage will be provided for fishermen,” Mr Gafoor said.

A changing room and rest area built as part of the second phase of the Koyilandy Fishing Harbor Development Project. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

According to him, the technical problems related to fishermen’s pensions will be resolved. The deadline for updating the information required for receiving pensions has been extended. The minister urged all eligible beneficiaries to take the opportunity to update their details without delay.

Development work at Puthiyappa Fishing Harbor was completed at a cost of ₹21.7 crore. In addition to dredging, the project included the construction of an auction hall, a concrete parking lot, internal roads, sewers, changing rooms, a motor station and a toilet block.

Later in the day, Mr. Gafoor inaugurated the second phase of the Koyilandy fishing port project, completed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), along with the Arayankavu–Koothavally road and adjacent bridges built under the Coastal Road Upgradation Project.

The second phase of the harbor construction project included a 100-meter-long and 7.5-meter-wide finger jetty that will allow fishing boats to moor on both sides, a jetty road, fishermen’s rest areas, a net repair shed, an administrative building, auction hall renovation, fish landing center upgrade, a new pressurized water cooling water treatment system and harbor beautification.

The work was done at a cost of ₹20.90 crore. The project also involved dredging work at a cost of ₹ 5.88 crore.

The Arayankavu–Koothavally road project included a new concrete road connecting the Gurukulam beach road in Koyilandy with the Kollam beach road along with two concrete bridges. The project was completed at a cost of ₹ 1.61 million.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 20:37 IST