THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet has approved the project to develop a new fishing port as part of the Vizhinjam International Port Project. The project is worth Rs 271 crore. The port project is being implemented in two packages based on the final design submitted by CWRPS, including the construction of a breakwater to improve the stability at the entrance of the existing fishing port at Vizhinjam.

The government has also announced that the construction of a 235-meter long breakwater, a 500-meter long fishery berth and other ancillary facilities will be implemented as package one at a cost of Rs 146 crore through the concessionaire (AVPL). The construction of a 250-meter long breakwater at a 45-degree angle from the seaward breakwater of the existing fishing harbor will be implemented as package two as deposit work through the Harbor Engineering Department at a cost of Rs 125 crore. The decision in this regard was taken in the cabinet meeting held today.

It has been decided to accept the Central Government's share of Rs 817.80 crore for the Viability Gap Fund allocated for the Vizhinjam International Port Project. The Central Government has stipulated that the State Government should repay the amount on the Net Present Value basis.