Maharashtra's Coastal Expansion: A New Shoreline of 877.97 km

Maharashtra's official shoreline has extended by 158 km following a high-resolution geospatial reassessment, opening new opportunities for economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Coastal ExpansionMaharashtraGeospatial ReassessmentMarine GovernanceSustainabilityReal Estate MaharashtraMay 16, 2025

Maharashtra's Coastal Expansion: A New Shoreline of 877.97 km

Real Estate Maharashtra:Maharashtra’s coastal profile has undergone a significant transformation, with the state’s official shoreline now extended by 158 kilometres following an advanced geospatial reassessment. The newly established figure—877.97 km, up from the earlier 720 km—has far-reaching implications for infrastructure, economy, environment, and marine governance in one of India’s most strategic coastal states. The recalibration is part of a nationwide coastal survey led by the National Hydrographic Office (NHO), employing high-resolution geospatial mapping tools and electronic navigation charts. This marks a paradigm shift from previous methodologies that relied heavily on manual calculations and low-scale maps. The updated process uses Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, high-water line data, island coastlines, and the closure of river mouths to produce a more scientifically accurate picture of the national coastline. The updated national coastline now stands at 11,098.81 kilometres, revised from the long-standing figure of 7,516.60 kilometres. The recalculated figures were made official through a notification issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in late April 2025. For Maharashtra—a coastal state with one of the country’s most critical maritime economies—the new shoreline length signals more than just an administrative update. It provides new opportunities to rethink its port infrastructure, marine resources, and blue economy ambitions through a modern sustainability lens. With Mumbai as its commercial anchor and a network of minor ports along the Konkan belt, the state stands poised to harness this extended coastline for both economic growth and ecological responsibility. Officials involved in the assessment note that the new measurement strengthens Maharashtra’s entitlement to a wider Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extending the state’s potential access to fisheries, seabed minerals, offshore wind energy, and oil and gas reserves. This development could enhance regional employment, stimulate coastal livelihoods, and open the door to international maritime trade partnerships. However, it also raises the stakes for responsible marine governance, requiring robust inter-agency coordination and policy frameworks to prevent environmental degradation. Sustainability experts stress that with opportunity comes added responsibility. A longer coastline amplifies the state’s exposure to climate vulnerabilities such as coastal erosion, sea-level rise, saline ingress, and extreme weather events like cyclones. It also implies expanded obligations under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, which govern development in ecologically sensitive areas. Given Maharashtra’s urban density and industrial sprawl along its coast—particularly around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—the state will now have to recalibrate its coastal management plans. This includes updating disaster risk preparedness, improving early warning systems, and integrating climate resilience into infrastructure development. The revised shoreline further necessitates enhancements in coastal surveillance, patrolling, and maritime security mechanisms. The data update arrives at a crucial time for Maharashtra’s push toward a green and inclusive economic model. With the global shift toward low-carbon development, the extended coastline offers fresh opportunities for investing in offshore renewable energy, especially wind and tidal energy. Several international and domestic developers are already exploring the potential of the Konkan region as a future offshore wind corridor. The new coastline metrics could now provide the scientific basis for regulatory clearance and environmental impact assessments for such projects. Tourism too stands to benefit. The longer coastline, dotted with serene beaches, heritage ports, and biodiverse estuaries, can be a powerful asset in building a more sustainable tourism economy. However, this calls for strict adherence to eco-tourism guidelines and community participation to ensure benefits reach local populations without disturbing fragile marine ecosystems. Environmental groups and coastal researchers have welcomed the revised figures but warned that planning authorities must not view the added coastline merely as an opportunity for unchecked development. Instead, they urge the state to align its coastal expansion with climate action plans, coastal zone management guidelines, and sustainable urbanisation frameworks. The increased shoreline also means the Maharashtra government will need to expand its human and financial resources. Additional investments in skilled manpower, technological tools, and institutional frameworks are required to regulate and monitor new stretches. Capacity-building programmes will need to be implemented for local governance bodies, especially in semi-urban and rural coastal zones, to manage the extended jurisdiction responsibly. This development could also revive long-pending proposals for modernising Maharashtra’s coastal infrastructure, including port-led industrial corridors, last-mile road connectivity to fishing villages, and modern fish landing centres. At the same time, the push for infrastructure must be accompanied by rigorous environmental clearance processes and community consultations to ensure sustainable development practices are upheld. Urban planners note that the revised figures could influence Maharashtra’s urban coastal policies, especially in regions where sea-facing cities are grappling with space constraints, pollution, and climate risks. By integrating the new shoreline data into urban master plans, the state can promote nature-based solutions such as mangrove conservation, wetland rejuvenation, and climate-adaptive housing. In the national context, Maharashtra is among several coastal states that have seen substantial increases in their official shoreline figures, following the NHO’s comprehensive revision. Experts have long argued that the earlier coastline estimates did not reflect ground realities, often omitting vital coastal segments due to outdated mapping techniques. The adoption of digital and standardised criteria marks a significant evolution in India’s approach to maritime geography, positioning it better for global maritime governance and environmental stewardship. Ultimately, Maharashtra’s 158-kilometre shoreline gain is not just a statistic—it is a strategic shift.