The proposed modernization of the fishing port is on track and the Union Government has already approved £ 100 million for it.
The Union government has also pledged to increase the sanction to £ 150 billion if the modernization proves profitable for the fishermen and the existing facility adds value, said K. Rama Mohana Rao, chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust.
Speak with The Hindu Here on Saturday he said the idea is to develop the fishing community and the focus is on creating the right infrastructure that would develop it.
In addition to starting repairs to the existing port, the VPT would modernize the loading and unloading system as part of the project, build an auction hall for the sale of fish, if possible develop a finger bridge and a rest area with all facilities for the crew and a proper drainage and water system set up.
The important part, however, will be the development of a state-of-the-art cold store with a fish processing center.
“This would add value to the fishing community. People can take the opportunity to add value to their product and we would attract some actors in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, ”he said.
The VPT chairman said efforts are being made to examine the feasibility of building a floating jetty.