Maharashtra's coastline grows by 158km: How it is set to unlock growth opportunities

Maharashtra's coastline, once measured at 720 km, has now increased to 877.97 km. (Courtesy: PTI file photo)

India's coastline was recently revised to 11,098 km, up from the previous 7,561.60 km. It marks an increase of nearly 50 percent. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the length of India's coastline stood at 7,561 km since 1970s.

On the significant development, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways said in April that this is due to a change in the methodology of calculation based on refined mapping techniques and digital tools.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of this reassessment is Maharashtra. The state's coastline, once measured at 720 km, has now increased to 877.97 km — a rise of around 158 km.

"This change is due to the adoption of new calculation methods using modern technology. The updated coastline length will benefit the administration and government in policy-making and will have a comprehensive impact on the lives of people living along Maharashtra's coastline. The coastline of Maharashtra has been revised from 720 km to 877.97 km," Nitesh Rane, Minister of Ports Development of Maharashtra, said.

For Maharashtra, which plays a key role in the country's maritime economy, the increase in coastline is beyond just a number. The revised coastline brings along new opportunities for port expansion, fisheries development, coastal tourism, and greater strategic reach. With Mumbai serving as a commercial hub and several minor ports spread across the Konkan belt, the extended coastline offers opportunities for developing maritime infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and larger claims over coastal and marine resources.

While there are numerous benefits, they come with significant challenges. The increased length of shoreline means now Maharashtra has to invest more in coastal management, including safeguarding against erosion, cyclones, and rising sea levels. The state will also have to strengthen its disaster preparedness mechanisms, enhance its coastal surveillance, and ensure sustainable development that balances growth with ecological sensitivity.

The added stretch also means additional manpower, better coordination across agencies, and updated coastal zone regulations in order to prevent unchecked construction or environmental degradation.

According to a report in News18, this new measurement empowers Maharashtra to claim a wider Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), potentially boosting its access to marine resources like fisheries, oil and gas reserves, and renewable energy prospects such as offshore wind farms

"This could translate into new job opportunities and long-term economic gains for coastal communities. However, it also means tighter regulatory frameworks and inter-agency cooperation will be crucial to manage this growth responsibly," officials involved in the planning process told News18.

The revised coastline length stems from advanced geospatial mapping using high-resolution electronic navigation charts prepared by the National Hydrographic Office (NHO). Unlike earlier methods based on low-scale maps and manual calculations, the updated process used GIS-based tools and standardised criteria such as high-water line measurements, inclusion of island coastlines, and the closure of river mouths. Across India, this has led to an overall increase of 3,582 kilometres in total coastline length—an adjustment long overdue, experts say.

The updated coastline length is the result of advanced geospatial mapping based on high-resolution electronic navigation charts developed by the National Hydrographic Office (NHO). Unlike previous approaches that relied on low-scale maps and manual calculations, the revised method utilized GIS-based tools and standardized criteria — including high-water line measurements, the inclusion of island coastlines, and the closure of river mouths — for greater accuracy.

"This revision (of coastline length) is attributed to the incorporation of offshore islands and the utilisation of advanced technologies such as modern mapping software and satellite imagery in the calculation process. The accurate measurement of the coastline is crucial for the country’s maritime security and infrastructure development. The implementation of the new coastline demarcation will be carried out by the Maharashtra Maritime Board," Rane added.