Government rolls out ₹364-crore vessel communication system, expands fish landing infrastructure and strengthens safety measures to support fisheries, seafood logistics and coastal economies.

Key Highlights

• PMMSY continues with a ₹20,750 crore outlay for fisheries development.
• 423 Fish Landing Centres (FLCs) covered under infrastructure development initiatives.
• ₹364 crore approved for nationwide Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS).
• One lakh marine fishing vessels to receive ISRO-developed communication transponders.
• India has 1,547 notified Fish Landing Centres across coastal states and Union Territories.
• Fishing harbour and FLC projects funded on a 60:40 Centre-State cost-sharing basis.

Government expands fisheries infrastructure under PMMSY

The Government of India has reaffirmed its focus on strengthening fisheries infrastructure by expanding fishing harbours, modernising Fish Landing Centres (FLCs) and deploying advanced vessel communication technology under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said the ₹20,750-crore PMMSY continues to support sustainable fisheries development and improve the welfare of fishing communities through investments in infrastructure, safety and technology.

Fishing harbours and Fish Landing Centres remain among the priority infrastructure components under the flagship scheme, with financial assistance provided through a 60:40 Centre-State funding pattern, while Union Territories receive full Central assistance.

423 Fish Landing Centres upgraded

According to the Ministry, India currently has 1,547 notified marine Fish Landing Centres, of which 423 centres have already been covered under infrastructure development initiatives.

States prioritise projects based on several factors, including:

• Number of fishing vessels operating
• Fishermen dependent on the landing centre
• Fish landing volumes
• Proximity to fish markets and seafood processing facilities
• Technical and financial viability
• Availability of land and statutory clearances

The largest number of notified Fish Landing Centres are located in:

• Andhra Pradesh – 350
• Tamil Nadu – 301
• Kerala – 204
• Maharashtra – 173
• Karnataka – 115
• Gujarat – 107

₹364-crore ISRO-backed communication project launched

To improve safety and operational efficiency at sea, the Department of Fisheries has approved the nationwide rollout of the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) at a cost of ₹364 crore.

Developed indigenously by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the project aims to install communication transponders in one lakh marine fishing vessels across the country.

Eligible fishermen will receive the transponders free of cost.

The project also includes the development of ground communication infrastructure and the multilingual ‘Nabhmitra’ mobile application.

Digital safety features for fishermen

The ISRO-developed Nabhmitra platform is designed to improve safety, navigation and communication for fishermen operating at sea.

Key features include:

• Real-time vessel position reporting
• Two-way communication
• Emergency SOS messaging
• Geo-fencing and international boundary alerts
• Weather and cyclone warnings
• Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories
• Navigation assistance
• Electronic trip declaration (e-Token)

The government said the system will strengthen monitoring, surveillance and emergency response while improving operational safety for marine fishing vessels.

States continue to manage security at landing centres

The Ministry clarified that security arrangements at Fish Landing Centres remain the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

Deployment of security personnel is undertaken in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, based on vulnerability assessments and site-specific operational requirements.

Hospitality & Tourism Impact

The continued modernisation of fishing harbours and Fish Landing Centres is expected to improve seafood handling, hygiene standards and cold-chain efficiency, benefiting hotels, restaurants, seafood exporters and foodservice businesses that rely on a consistent supply of fresh marine products.

Enhanced infrastructure can reduce post-harvest losses, improve seafood quality and strengthen supply chains serving hospitality destinations across India’s coastline. The rollout of the ISRO-developed Vessel Communication and Support System is also expected to improve safety for fishing communities, contributing to more resilient marine operations that support seafood availability, coastal livelihoods and tourism economies dependent on the fisheries sector.