Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has drawn up an ambitious roadmap to modernise coastal security infrastructure, including the deployment of additional interceptor boats, advanced surveillance systems and anti-drone technology, as senior officials and security agencies gathered in Bhubaneswar for a state-level coastal security seminar on Tuesday.
The seminar, inaugurated by Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, brought together representatives from 18 agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, port authorities, the Directorate of Fisheries, neighbouring states and various Central and State Government organisations. The deliberations focused on emerging maritime security challenges and strategies to strengthen coordination among stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Khurania said Odisha’s long coastline and rapidly growing maritime economy necessitate a robust and technology-driven security framework. He noted that major ports such as Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur have become key economic assets, making coastal security an essential component of both national security and economic development.
The DGP said the state has made substantial progress in enhancing coastal surveillance and response capabilities over the past few years. Currently, more than 700 personnel are deployed across 18 Marine Police Stations established along Odisha’s coastline.
To strengthen maritime patrolling, Odisha Police have deployed 15 Fast Interceptor Boats, five drones and five hired trawlers. CCTV-based surveillance systems are also being installed at fishing harbours and fish landing centres to improve monitoring of coastal activities.
Khurania informed that the state government has invested nearly ₹150–200 crore during the last two years to upgrade coastal security infrastructure. Building on these efforts, Odisha Police plan to procure 10 additional Fast Interceptor Boats and expand the use of surveillance drones, trawlers and anti-drone systems in the coming years.
The state is also establishing mini control centres, modular jetties and enhanced surveillance facilities to support marine policing operations. CCTV coverage at fishing harbours and landing centres will be expanded to create a comprehensive monitoring network along the coast.
A major component of the modernisation initiative is the establishment of a centralised Command and Control Centre in Bhubaneswar. The facility will integrate real-time feeds from marine police stations, patrol vessels, drones and other surveillance platforms. Intelligence inputs from multiple agencies will also be consolidated to enable faster response and coordinated action.
The DGP said Odisha Police are leveraging technology to improve maritime monitoring, including the use of the NABHMITRA application to track fishing vessel movements. Retired officers from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have also been engaged to provide operational expertise and strengthen the coastal security framework.
Throughout the day, experts and officials discussed various aspects of maritime safety and security across six technical sessions. Participants shared experiences and best practices relating to surveillance systems, coastal policing, intelligence sharing, disaster response and community engagement.
Khurania stressed that technology alone cannot ensure effective coastal security and highlighted the importance of involving local fishing communities. He said active participation by fishermen, combined with stronger inter-agency coordination, remains critical to detecting and responding to potential threats.
Expressing optimism about the state’s ongoing efforts, the DGP said Odisha’s Coastal Security Wing is steadily evolving into a modern and efficient force capable of meeting future challenges. He expressed confidence that within the next two years, it would emerge as one of the country’s leading coastal security units.
Officials said the seminar’s recommendations would help further strengthen Odisha’s coastal security architecture and support the state’s efforts to build a resilient and secure maritime environment.
