Measuring India’s Shores: Which State Has the Longest Coastline?
Measuring India’s Shores: Which State Has the Longest Coastline?
India has a total coastline of 7,516.6 km, including the mainland and the island territories. This long stretch of coast touches nine states and four Union Territories. Coastal areas are essential for trade, fishing, tourism, and national security.
Among all the states, Gujarat has the longest coastline, measuring 1,214.7 km. It lies along the Arabian Sea in western India. Gujarat’s coast is home to major ports like Kandla, Mundra, and Porbandar, which help with much of India’s sea trade. The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, India’s first marine park, is also here.
Andhra Pradesh has the second-longest coastline, measuring 973.7 km, along the Bay of Bengal. It has crucial ports like Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, and the coast is used for fishing and agriculture.
Tamil Nadu has a coastline of 906.9 km, also along the Bay of Bengal. It has one of the world’s longest urban beaches, Marina Beach, and historical places like Mahabalipuram. Chennai, the state capital, has a major international trade port.
Maharashtra has a coastline of 652.6 km on the Arabian Sea. It includes Mumbai, the country’s financial capital. The Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) are India’s busiest ports.
Kerala has a 569.7 km coastline. Its coast is known for backwaters, beaches, and fishing. Odisha, with a 476.4 km coastline, includes famous places like Puri and Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
Karnataka has a 280 km coastline, West Bengal has 157.5 km, and Goa has 101 km. Each state uses its coastal area for fishing, tourism, and trade differently.
Among Union Territories, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline at 1,962 km. Though not a state, this group of islands plays a significant role in defence and tourism. Lakshadweep has a coastline of 132 km, while Puducherry and Daman & Diu have 47.6 km and 42.5 km, respectively.
India’s long coastline is vital for its economy and connects the country to the rest of the world. Gujarat, with the longest mainland coastline, is one of India’s most critical coastal states.
