India’s coastline has undergone a remarkable transformation, with its total length increasing from 7,516 km in 1970 to 11,098 km in 2023-24, according to a report from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This 47.6% increase, achieved over just five decades, is attributed to the adoption of a revised methodology for measuring the country’s maritime boundaries, incorporating complex coastal features and providing a more precise representation of the dynamic coastline.
Revised Methodology Driving the Change
The updated measurement methodology, introduced by the National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC), replaces the older straight-line distance methods with a scientifically advanced approach. The revised technique considers intricate coastal formations such as bays, estuaries, inlets, and other geomorphological features. This shift has significantly influenced the recalculated lengths of India’s coastline across nine coastal states and four Union Territories.
The report highlights that the previous coastline data from 1970, provided by the National Hydrographic Office and Survey of India, was based on the technological limitations of the time. The new methodology not only enhances accuracy but also accounts for changes due to coastal accretion and erosion.
State-Wise Highlights
Gujarat, which has the longest coastline among Indian states, saw its coastal length almost double, from 1,214 km in 1970 to 2,340 km in 2023-24. This significant increase underscores Gujarat’s dominant role in contributing to the overall growth of India’s maritime border.
Tamil Nadu, with a recalculated coastline of 1,068 km (up from 906 km), has now overtaken Andhra Pradesh (1,053 km) to become the state with the second-longest coastline. Meanwhile, Bengal recorded the highest percentage increase, with its coastline expanding by an astonishing 357%, from 157 km to 721 km.
Puducherry, however, was an exception to the trend of expansion. The Union Territory’s coastline, encompassing regions like Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe, contracted by 4.9 km, a reduction of 10.4%. Kerala reported the smallest increase, with its coastline growing by just 30 km, a modest 5% rise over the five-decade period.
National and Regional Implications
This revised understanding of India’s coastline has significant implications for maritime policy, environmental conservation, and economic planning. India’s coastal boundaries span the mainland and islands in the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. The updated measurements provide a clearer basis for addressing coastal erosion, accretion, and the sustainable management of marine resources.
The recalibration also enhances national security planning, with the refined data aiding in better maritime surveillance and disaster preparedness. The MHA’s report underscores the importance of using advanced methodologies to adapt to India’s evolving coastal dynamics.
Looking Ahead
While the updated coastline data is still under review, the findings mark a pivotal moment in India’s understanding of its maritime geography. As the nation continues to develop its coastal infrastructure and maritime policies, the new measurements provide a foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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