Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane inaugurated the Hovercraft Maintenance Unit on Thursday during a two-day inspection visit to Indian Coast Guard facilities in the North West Region.
The visit of March 28–29 was aimed at inspecting the running construction of different ICH facilities and inaugurating crucial sites. The inaugurated HMU is located in Okha town, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat.
Giridhar Aramane emphasised its significance during the inauguration in the presence of other dignitaries. The maritime security force, in a statement, said, this is to enhance operational readiness in the forward area. The HMU, equipped with facilities such as ACV parking for technical assistance, an office building, workshop, and maintenance area, will play a pivotal role in ensuring timely support, upkeep, and maintenance of hovercrafts based at Okha and Jakhau. These hovercrafts are vital for surveillance across 50 islands in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and the Gulf of Kutch, navigating through shallow waters and marshy terrains along the Gujarat coast.
Additionally, on the second day of the visit, Gayatri Aramane inaugurated the Coast Guard OTM (Officers Training Mess) and Married Accommodation at Inaz Village, Veraval. This newly established Coast Guard Residential Area (CGRA) comprises 60 units of married accommodations, an all-weather helipad, living quarters for subordinate officers and navigators, a parade ground, and a mess. The helipad adds strategic advantages, including maritime emergencies, search and rescue missions, and surveillance activities, to various operations in the Veraval area.
During his visit, the Defense Secretary was also briefed on the upcoming construction of a 200-meter ICG jetty at Okha, further boosting the Coast Guard’s infrastructure in the region. The ICG’s focus on developing berthing and other essential infrastructure underscores its commitment to equipping itself with facilities for operating advanced surface and air platforms.
The Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North West) was established on December 16, 2009, in Gandhinagar, to execute the ICG’s mandated charter in maritime zones covering Gujarat, Daman, and Diu.
The inauguration was done in the presence of various dignitaries from the Central and State Governments, along with Director General Rakesh Pal, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, and Inspector General AK Harbola, the Commander of the Coast Guard Region (NW).
Shri Giridhar Aramane highlighted the significant role played by the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding national maritime interests in its area of responsibility. The ongoing development of infrastructure and facilities is in line with the increase in Coast Guard’s operational capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of India’s coastal waters, especially during the red sea crisis.
