Panaji: The Goa police have initiated the procurement of a second 15-metre fast patrol boat for coastal security, with an estimated cost of over Rs 3.4 crore. This new vessel will complement a similar boat already on order, bolstering the state's maritime surveillance capabilities.
Enhanced Patrol Capabilities
The new patrol boat is designed for day and night operations in shallow coastal waters, with limited functionality in deeper waters. It can also operate beyond visual range in special circumstances. The vessel will support interception and boarding of high-speed boats, search and rescue missions, and special forces operations. Currently, the coastal security wing operates only one 15-metre fast interceptor boat, named Chandreshwar, for patrolling Goa's 105-kilometre coastline.
A senior police officer stated, "The 15-metre fast interceptor boat was utilised to maintain patrolling along the 105km coastline, covering the jurisdiction of coastal security police stations in accordance with the weekly patrolling pattern drawn up by the police department."
Existing Fleet and New Procurement
Goa police had previously acquired five high-density polyethylene (HDPE) boats, with one each assigned to coastal security police stations at Tiracol, Siolim, Panaji, harbour, and Talpona. The new patrol boat is expected to have a service life of 10 years, with an average annual usage of 1,000 running hours, provided it undergoes proper maintenance.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (central procurement cell) Rupendra Shetgaonkar confirmed that bids have been invited for the boat's construction. The selected bidder will also be required to provide five days of training in Goa to 10 police personnel on operation and first-line maintenance.
Security Review and Urgent Needs
The decision to procure additional boats follows a security review after the Pahalgam terror attack, during which Goa police highlighted a shortage of fast patrol boats. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed coastal police to urgently hire boats on rent for patrolling until the new vessels are operational.
Non-Functional Interceptor Boats
Police also revealed that two interceptor boats assigned to the Siolim coastal security police station — a five-tonne and a 12-tonne vessel — have been non-functional since July 2021. A senior police officer explained, "It has been decided to condemn these boats as they have crossed their optimum expected life and are economically not viable for their repairs."
Future Plans
Officers emphasised that stronger coastal patrolling is essential for Goa, and additional patrol boats may be procured in the future if the government approves the proposal.
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