In a significant boost to the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime infrastructure along the country’s north-western seaboard, Inspector General T. Sashi Kumar, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (North-West), inaugurated the extended Indian Coast Guard (ICG) jetty at Porbandar on Wednesday.
The extension increases the jetty’s length from 175 metres to 275 metres, substantially enhancing berthing capacity, logistics support and operational readiness. The upgraded facility will enable simultaneous berthing of additional Coast Guard vessels, ensuring quicker turnaround, improved maintenance support and sustained deployment for maritime surveillance, coastal security and search-and-rescue operations.
Porbandar remains one of the Indian Coast Guard’s key operational hubs on the western coast, playing a critical role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, enforcing maritime law, protecting the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and maintaining heightened vigil along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The enhanced infrastructure is expected to significantly improve operational endurance and response capability during maritime contingencies.
The successful execution of the project reflects close coordination between the Gujarat Maritime Board, IIT Madras and the Military Engineer Services (MES), whose combined technical expertise facilitated the development of the upgraded maritime infrastructure.
The expanded jetty is expected to strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to protect offshore assets, ensure the safety and security of fishermen and mariners, support anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations, and respond swiftly to maritime emergencies along the Gujarat coast. The infrastructure upgrade further reinforces the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to maintaining a secure, safe and resilient maritime environment in the North-West maritime sector.
During his visit, Inspector General T. Sashi Kumar also reviewed the ongoing refit of Coast Guard vessels at M/s Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHIL), Pipavav. He conducted an onboard inspection of ICGS Samudra Pavak and ICGS Aryaman, followed by a comprehensive review meeting with Coast Guard officers and shipyard representatives.
The discussions focused on expediting ongoing refit activities, resolving project-related issues and implementing measures to ensure the timely completion of maintenance schedules, thereby enhancing fleet availability and operational preparedness.
