Kothapatnam fishing harbour in AP to be ready by Dec 2027; cost revised to Rs 442 crore
The Department of Fisheries had approved the proposal in October 2022 based on a request from the Andhra Pradesh government.
By - Newsmeter Network
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New Delhi: The Union Government on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that the proposed fishing harbour at Kothapatnam in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district will be completed by December 31, 2027, with the revised project cost pegged at Rs 441.88 crore.
Replying during Question Hour, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the project, taken up under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, is currently under revised administrative approval following cost escalation and delays.
Project approved in 2022
The Department of Fisheries had approved the proposal in October 2022 based on a request from the Andhra Pradesh government.
Initially estimated at Rs 364 crore, the project included a Central share of Rs 80 crore under PMMSY.
During the financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24, the Centre released Rs 40 crore as part of its committed assistance.
Contract cancelled after slow progress
The Minister informed the House that the work was awarded to a contractor in October 2022. However, in April 2025, the Andhra Pradesh government cancelled the contract, citing less than 25 per cent physical progress.
According to the Centre, the State government did not report any significant physical progress or fund utilisation for the project following the cancellation.
Cost escalation to Rs 441.88 crore
Due to delays, the project cost has risen to Rs 441.88 crore. The State government has submitted a revised proposal, which is currently being processed for fresh administrative approval.
Singh clarified that the present Andhra Pradesh government should not be blamed for the delay, indicating that procedural and contractual issues led to the setback.
Completion timeline confirmed
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially communicated that the Kothapatnam Fishing Harbour project will be completed by December 31, 2027.
Additional fisheries projects in Andhra
The Minister also stated that the Centre has approved eight fishing harbours and seven fish landing centres for Andhra Pradesh at a total outlay of Rs 2,672.40 crore.
These projects are being supported under the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and PMMSY to strengthen marine infrastructure and boost fishermen’s livelihoods in the state.
