PM Modi virtually lays foundation stone for eastern India’s largest fish market in Bhubaneswar; over 2000 jobs expected

In a major development for Odisha’s fisheries sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art fish market at Pandara in Bhubaneswar.

Spread over 5 acres, the new market aims to address longstanding issues faced by traders and consumers at the existing No. 4 wholesale fish market, which has struggled with infrastructure challenges for several years.

The project is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an allocation of Rs 50 crore, while the overall project cost is expected to be around Rs 60 to 80 crore.

The market will integrate wholesale and retail facilities, cold storage, solar energy systems, and trader houses, creating a modern hub for fish trade in the region.

“This initiative is not merely about building infrastructure; it ensures that both fish traders and consumers benefit. Retailers, wholesalers, fish farmers, and customers will all gain from this project,” said CM Mohan Majhi at the event.

The market will have 143 shops and is expected to generate indirect employment for over 2,000 people. Execution will be handled in partnership with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the project is slated for completion by 2027.

Boost to Local Fisheries and Aquaculture

Odisha, a state rich in fishery resources, has historically depended on other states to meet domestic demand.

“The new market, combined with initiatives in bio-flock technology for home-based aquaculture, will allow local production to meet local demand, reducing reliance on imports from other regions,” noted CM Majhi.

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Complementary Projects In Sambalpur

The project is complemented by ongoing aquaculture initiatives at Hirakud in Sambalpur district, covering 95.47 acres, with a total investment of Rs 100 crore for fish farming development. The central and state governments will contribute Rs 60 crore and Rs 40 crore, respectively.

Once completed, the Pandara fish market will be Eastern India’s first integrated aquaculture and wholesale fish hub, expected to transform the sector and bring a blue revolution to the region, expressed the Odisha CM.