Maharashtra is strengthening its coastal surveillance with the rollout of a new technology platform designed to identify suspicious boats instantly.
The Maharashtra Police, along with the Indian Navy and IIT Madras, have introduced a mobile-based Marine Domain Awareness (MDA) application to monitor vessel movement across the state’s 877 km coastline.
The system aims to address limitations of the existing Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is effective for large ships but less reliable for tracking smaller vessels such as fishing and passenger boats.
With around 32,000 boats operating along the coast—including nearly 28,000 fishing vessels and 4,000 passenger boats—monitoring activities has been a challenge. The new app enables real-time tracking to improve visibility and response.
As part of the initiative, fishermen and boat operators will be equipped with mobile devices integrated with the MDA application. During pilot testing on 100 fishing boats, the system successfully tracked vessel movement within Indian waters.
Data from the platform will be monitored through a central control room at Mahim Sagari Police Station, with plans to expand operations across 7 coastal districts.
Once fully implemented, registered vessels will show “green” signals, while unidentified or suspicious boats will trigger “red” alerts. This will allow quick response from coastal police, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Navy.
Officials believe the system will enhance surveillance capabilities and could serve as a model for coastal security nationwide.
The move comes as Maharashtra’s coastline remains strategically significant, housing major maritime hubs such as Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, along with key offshore and industrial assets.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
