The Department of Fisheries has approved a Rs 199.24 crore proposal for the development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with 100% central financial assistance.

Developed in line with the Blue Port Initiative, the harbour will feature modern, IoT-enabled infrastructure for safe landing and berthing of 430 fishing vessels and handle annual fish landings of around 9,900 tonnes. The project aims to enhance fish handling capacity, operational safety, digital traceability and sustainable fisheries management, while supporting livelihoods and curbing illegal fishing.

The project is expected to generate employment across the fisheries value chain and strengthen the Islands’ fisheries ecosystem. The approval aligns with India’s goal of boosting seafood exports to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030–31.