Indian Coast Guard jetty Vizhinjam inaugurated on June 7, 2025, to enhance coastal security near international shipping lanes, aligning with Maritime Vision 2030 and Sagarmala Programme.
Introduction: A Maritime Milestone for Coastal Security
On June 7, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) formally inaugurated a high-tech jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour, Kerala, under the leadership of Director General Paramesh Sivamani. The facility spans 76.7 m in length, 8 m in breadth, and features a depth ranging 4–6 m, designed to accommodate ICG vessels stationed in the region
Strategic Location: Proximity to Global Shipping Routes
Located just 10 nautical miles from critical international shipping lanes and adjacent to the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Port, the jetty offers unprecedented access to high-traffic sea routes This strategic positioning ensures enhanced coastal surveillance and faster response capabilities along India’s southwest corridor.
Operational Capabilities Enhanced
The dedicated berth is engineered to significantly uplift ICG mission readiness. It supports rapid deployment and swift turnaround of vessels for a multitude of operations: coastal surveillance, Search & Rescue (SAR), anti‑smuggling, fisheries protection, and maritime law enforcement
Collaborative Framework: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
The project execution involved Kerala’s Harbour Engineering Department and RTF Infra Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram At the inauguration, key dignitaries from ICG, the Kerala government, VISL, Kerala Maritime Board, Army, Air Force, Police, Fisheries Department, port authorities, Adani Ports, and the public-private sector underscored the inter-agency collaboration
Alignment with National Maritime Objectives
This jetty aligns with India’s broader Maritime Vision 2030 and Sagarmala Programme, aiming to strengthen coastal security, support blue economy initiatives, and facilitate quicker disaster-response frameworks amid Kerala’s monsoon-prone geography
📌 Why This News is Important
1. Critical Boost to Coastal Defence
The jetty strengthens India’s southwestern coastal defence framework by enabling swift deployment of ICG vessels. Its proximity to vital international shipping lanes enables vigilant maritime domain awareness and swift deterrence of illicit activities.
2. Safeguards Economic & Security Interests
Situated near the mega Vizhinjam Transshipment Port, the jetty not only improves operational readiness but also secures trade channels against threats like smuggling and piracy—protecting vital economic lifelines.
3. Enhances Disaster Management Capabilities
The facility significantly reduces vessel turnaround time—vital for timely rescue operations during events like cyclones or coastal emergencies, particularly crucial in Kerala’s historically high-risk regions.
4. Reinforces Interagency Synergy
By bringing together multiple stakeholders—from defence forces to local agencies—the jetty embodies integrated governance, improving coordination in maritime law enforcement and environmental response.
5. Symbolizes National Maritime Aspirations
The ICG jetty reflects India’s global maritime ambitions through the Maritime Vision 2030 and Sagarmala Programme. It reaffirms the country’s commitment toward maritime self-reliance and security.
📚 Historical Context
Evolution of India’s Coast Guard & Coastal Strategy
Established in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, the Indian Coast Guard has evolved into a pivotal force, now boasting nearly 190 surface ships and 77 aircraft
Vizhinjam’s Rise as a Strategic Port
The Vizhinjam International Seaport, inaugurated on May 2, 2025, stands as India’s first deep‑water transshipment port. Located 10 nm from major shipping routes, it serves as a maritime linchpin in India’s blue economy vision
Maritime Vision 2030 & Sagarmala Alignment
The jetty’s inception dovetails with national policies like the Sagarmala initiative, aimed at fostering port‑led development and coastal security, specifically through deep‑water capabilities like those at Vizhinjam.
🧠 Key Takeaways from ICG Jetty Inauguration
| Serial No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The ICG inaugurated a 76.7 m x 8 m jetty at Vizhinjam on June 7, 2025, operational for quick vessel deployment. |
| 2 | Strategically placed 10 nm from global shipping lanes and Vizhinjam Port, boosting maritime surveillance. |
| 3 | Enhances ICG capabilities in SAR, anti-smuggling, fisheries protection, and coastal patrolling. |
| 4 | Implementation involved Kerala’s Harbour Engineering Department and RTF Infra, showcasing public-private synergy. |
| 5 | Aligns with Maritime Vision 2030 and Sagarmala, reinforcing India’s strategic coastal development goals. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of the newly inaugurated jetty at Vizhinjam?
The jetty enhances the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability, especially in surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement.
2. Where is the new Indian Coast Guard jetty located?
The jetty is located at Vizhinjam Harbour in Kerala, strategically placed near major international shipping lanes and the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
3. When was the Vizhinjam ICG jetty inaugurated?
It was inaugurated on June 7, 2025.
4. What are the dimensions of the new jetty?
The jetty is 76.7 meters long, 8 meters wide, and has a depth of 4 to 6 meters.
5. Which national programmes does this initiative align with?
The jetty project aligns with Maritime Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala Programme, which focus on strengthening India’s coastal infrastructure and maritime security.
6. Who constructed the jetty at Vizhinjam?
It was built by RTF Infra Pvt Ltd in collaboration with the Kerala Harbour Engineering Department.
7. Why is Vizhinjam Harbour considered strategic?
Because of its close proximity (just 10 nautical miles) to international shipping lanes, making it ideal for monitoring maritime traffic and securing economic interests.
8. What operations will benefit from the new jetty?
Operations such as coastal patrolling, anti-smuggling, search and rescue (SAR), fisheries protection, and environmental response will benefit significantly.
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