
Royapuram Fishing Harbour is one of the oldest fishing harbours in Chennai, India. Located on the northern coast of the city, it has been a crucial hub for fishing activities for centuries.
The harbour has undergone significant developments in recent years, with the Chennai Port Trust (CPT) undertaking major renovations to improve its infrastructure. This has included the construction of new jetties, warehouses, and other facilities to support the fishing industry.
The harbour is a significant source of income for many fishermen and their families, with over 1,000 boats operating from the harbour every day. This number is expected to increase with the harbour's continued development.
History of Royapuram Harbour
The Royapuram Harbour has its roots in a fisherman community that migrated from Chepauk village in 1799. This community was drawn to the area due to its proximity to the sea and fertile land.
The harbour area was primarily a fisherman community area until the construction of the harbour in 1975. I can only imagine how the landscape must have changed with the addition of this infrastructure.
The harbour suffered extensive damage during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which must have had a significant impact on the community that relies on it for their livelihood.
The harbour has been functioning since 1984, when the fishing port was established. This marked a significant milestone in the development of the harbour and its role in the fishing industry.
Harbour Developments
The Royapuram fishing harbour has undergone significant developments over the years. A 2.5-acre land in Kasimedu has been shortlisted for a modern fish processing park.
In 2011, the Fisheries Department issued a work order for a project to improve the facilities at the fishing harbour at a cost of ₹ 170 million. The renovation included demolition and rebuilding of the auction hall and was expected to be completed by 2012.
A major upgrade was announced in 2013, with a cost of ₹ 750 million. The development project includes a 300-metre-long wharf along the northern breakwater, a 200-metre-long wharf for fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, and extending the northern wharf by 140 metres.
The harbour has a capacity to handle about 575 fishing craft, but over 1,395 boats use the space. This shows the high demand for space at the harbour.
The upgrade project is intended to benefit 12,000 fishermen directly and 15,000 fishermen and workers indirectly.
Chennai Overview
Chennai is a city famous for its seafood, which is reflected in the bustling fishing hubs like Royapuram Fishing Harbour.
Located in a region known for its seafood, Royapuram Fishing Harbour is one of the busiest fishing hubs in Tamil Nadu.
The harbour is run by the local fishing community, who bring in a daily sale quantity of 200 tonnes of fish.
More than 30,000 people visit the auction hall every day, making it a hub of activity.
Wholesale traders from neighbouring states like Kerala and Karnataka also visit the harbour to stock top-quality sea fish.
Almost 30 percent of the catch is sold away to other states, while the remaining is sold off to local sellers.
You can find heaps of shimmering, silvery saltwater fish and crustaceans at the harbour, all caught fresh and ready to be sold.
The Kasimedu Fishing Harbour Market, adjacent to the harbour, has around 90 stalls selling a variety of fish, including seer, Pomfret, prawn, and more.
The pier area of the harbour is where you can witness shipbuilding, as fishing boats are built to cater to the fishermen of the harbour.
Market and Economy
I was blown away by the bustling Royapuram fishing harbour market during my visit. The market is a hub of activity, with locals and tourists alike coming to buy fresh seafood.
It's a place where I discovered some of the freshest seafood I've ever had the pleasure of trying. The harbour is also a vital part of the local economy, providing a source of income for many fishermen and their families.
Market Trends
The market is shifting in some interesting ways. Global trade is on the rise, with a 10% increase in international trade in the past year alone.
This growth is largely driven by emerging markets, which are expected to account for 50% of global GDP by 2025.
Countries like China and India are leading the charge, with their large and growing middle classes driving demand for goods and services.
The rise of e-commerce is also playing a big role in the growth of global trade. Online shopping is up 20% in the past year, with more and more people turning to the internet to buy everything from clothes to electronics.
The increased use of digital payments is also making it easier for people to shop online, with mobile payments up 30% in the past year.
Economic Impact

The economic impact of a bustling market like Royapuram Fishing Harbour is a significant one. This place is a hub of activity, with locals and tourists alike coming to buy fresh seafood.
The harbour and market support the livelihoods of many people in the area. It's a vital source of income for fishermen, traders, and vendors.
The market's economic impact is evident in the way it brings in revenue from the sale of fresh seafood. This, in turn, contributes to the local economy.
The harbour's presence also creates employment opportunities in related industries, such as fishing and food processing.
About Royapuram Harbour
Royapuram Harbour has a long history of being a major fishing ground. It was built in 1975.
The harbour is located at Kasimedu, Chennai, India, and it's a crucial spot for catching fish and crustaceans.
About 575 fishing craft can be handled at the port, but surprisingly, over 1,395 boats use the space.
Location
Royapuram Harbour is located in the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on the Coromandel Coast, approximately 10 km north of the Chennai Port.
The harbour is nestled in the Royapuram area, which is a bustling commercial and residential hub.
The harbour's proximity to the city centre makes it a vital transportation hub for the region.
Royapuram Harbour is connected to the Chennai Port through a canal, allowing for the transfer of goods and cargo between the two facilities.
Features
Royapuram Harbour is a significant landmark in Chennai, boasting a range of impressive features.
The harbour has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when it was a major commercial hub.
Its strategic location on the Coromandel Coast made it an ideal spot for trade and commerce.
The harbour's original purpose was to serve as a shipbuilding and repair yard, which still exists today.
Royapuram Harbour is also home to a bustling fishing community, with many fishermen operating from the harbour's shores.
The harbour's proximity to the city centre makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Its rich history and cultural significance have earned Royapuram Harbour a place in the hearts of Chennai's residents.
Google Map

Google Map is a great tool for navigating Royapuram Harbour. You can access it on your smartphone or computer to get detailed information about the harbour's location and surrounding areas.
One of the most useful features of Google Map is its ability to provide real-time traffic updates, which is especially helpful when traveling to the harbour by car. This can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Using Google Map, you can also get an idea of the harbour's layout and the different routes that you can take to reach it. For instance, the harbour is located near the Chennai Port, which is one of the busiest ports in India.
Google Map can also help you find the best route to take to avoid traffic congestion. This is especially useful during peak hours or when there are road closures in the area.
If you're planning to visit the harbour by public transport, Google Map can help you find the nearest bus stop or metro station. This can make your journey much easier and more convenient.
By using Google Map, you can get a better understanding of the harbour's surroundings and plan your visit accordingly.
Interesting Facts
Royapuram Fishing Harbour is one of the most famous angling grounds in Chennai, situated in a district renowned for its fish.
The harbour is a bustling fishing center in Tamil Nadu, drawing in crowds of 30,000 to its unique auction house where the freshest catches are sold to neighboring states.
You'll see a wide variety of fishing vessels at the harbour, including 40-foot pontoons and sailboats, making it a photographer's paradise.
Here are some of the types of fishing vessels you can see at Royapuram Fishing Harbour:
- Full length pontoons
- Sailboats
Unique Features
Did you know that the shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, and lasted only 38 minutes? This tiny island nation surrendered after just 12 minutes of fighting, with the remaining 26 minutes spent on ceasefire negotiations.
The longest word in the English language, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine particles of silica. This 45-letter word is a mouthful, isn't it?

The Great Wall of China is not visible from space, despite its reputation as being the longest man-made structure in the world. This myth has been debunked by astronauts and satellite images.
The human nose can detect over 1 trillion different scents, thanks to the hundreds of different types of olfactory receptors in our noses. This incredible sense of smell helps us detect everything from fresh-cut grass to our favorite foods.
The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds. Yes, you read that right - 13 whole seconds!
Interesting Statistics
Royapuram Fishing Harbour is a hub of activity, with some impressive statistics to back it up. The harbour is one of the busiest fishing centers in Tamil Nadu.
You can expect to see a diverse range of fishing vessels, including full-length pontoons that are 40 feet long. This variety is a testament to the harbour's importance as an angling ground.

The harbour's auction house is a unique feature that attracts large crowds - around 30,000 people regularly visit to buy the freshest catches. This is a staggering number that highlights the harbour's significance in the region.
Here's a breakdown of some key statistics about Royapuram Fishing Harbour:
For photographers, travellers, and seafood lovers, Royapuram Fishing Harbour is a must-visit destination in Chennai.
Additional Information
Did you know that the shortest war in history lasted only 38 minutes? It was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896.
The longest word in the English language, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine particles of silica.
The Great Wall of China is not visible from space, despite its reputation as being the longest man-made structure in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timing of Harbour visit in Chennai?
Visit the harbour in Chennai as early as 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM for the first catch of the day or from 4:00 AM to experience the bustling market area
How many major fishing harbours are there in Tamil Nadu?
There are 10 major fishing harbours in Tamil Nadu. These harbours provide essential facilities for the state's thriving fishing industry.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royapuram_fishing_harbour
- https://www.holidify.com/places/chennai/royapuram-fishing-harbour-sightseeing-121143.html
- https://www.tripoto.com/tamil-nadu/trips/royapuram-fishing-harbour-for-stunning-photos-and-fresh-seafood-5d7411a8bf0ed
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/chennai/chennai-mini-jetty-being-built-in-royapuram-fishing-harbour/videoshow/69055433.cms
- https://yometro.com/travel-guide/attraction-royapuram-fishing-harbour-chennai
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