The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today said it is planning to have 42 stations (including 3 in Gujarat)across the 7,500-km-long coastline for effective monitoring of maritime borderline.

“The Coast Guard is expanding and consolidating its coast-level, manpower, infrastructure and pursuing urgent enhancement of its surveillance capabilities,” ICG Director General Anil Chopra told reporters at a function to inaugurate the ICG North West regional headquarters here. The headquarter was inaugurated by Gujarat Governor.

“India has a 7,500-km-long coastline and to secure it, we will have 42 coast guard stations all round the coast with adequate ships and boats,” Chopra said.

“Many projects have been sanctioned by the government and are in the process of being implemented. This will take time as both building ships and recruiting and training manpower is a long process,” he added.

On setting up of the regional headquarters in Gujarat, Chopra said it is important state has a large number of off-shore assets.