The official figure for India’s coastline length is now 11,098.81 km. Earlier, the official figure was 7,516.6 km. The National Hydrographic Office (NHO) re-assessed it with the Survey of India (SoI). Notably, the work followed terms of reference from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). The Ministry of Earth Sciences shared the details through PIB on 4 December 2025. So, aspirants must update this basic geography fact.
How NHO and Survey of India Re-Measured the Coast
The NHO and SoI used modern GIS software for the exercise. Also, they used high-resolution High-Water Line (HWL) data from recent surveys. As a result, the new method traces creeks and inlets in finer detail. Next, the Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee (CPDAC) accepted the revised length. Before that, all coastal states and UTs gave their consent. Finally, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued a circular on 29 April 2025 to promulgate it.
State-wise Coastline: Gujarat Tops
Gujarat now has the longest coastline among states at 2,340.62 km. Earlier, its figure was 1,214.70 km. Tamil Nadu comes second with 1,068.69 km. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh moves to third place with 1,053.07 km. Next come Maharashtra (877.97 km), West Bengal (721.02 km) and Kerala (600.15 km). Then follow Odisha, Karnataka and Goa.
Islands and Union Territories
Among all states and UTs, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline at 3,083.50 km. Also, Lakshadweep has 144.8 km and Puducherry 42.65 km. Interestingly, West Bengal saw the sharpest change among states. Its figure jumped from 157.5 km to 721.02 km, more than four and a half times.
Does It Change CRZ Limits?
No. In fact, PIB said the revised length “does not affect areas covered under the CRZ regulations.” CRZ limits rely on High Tide Line mapping by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai. However, the new figures will help planning for ports, disaster risk and maritime security.
India’s Coastline Length: Key Facts for Revision
- New length: 11,098.81 km (old: 7,516.6 km)
- Agencies: National Hydrographic Office with Survey of India, under NSCS terms of reference
- Method: GIS-based, using High-Water Line data
- Approval: CPDAC; MoPSW circular dated 29 April 2025
- Longest state: Gujarat, 2,340.62 km
- Longest overall: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 3,083.50 km
Why India’s Coastline Length Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, examiners love ranking questions on coastal states. So, remember Gujarat’s first rank, Andhra Pradesh’s new third place and the 11,098.81 km total. Also, link the revision with maritime security and blue economy planning. For official updates, also visit Survey of India. Next, for a related story, read about Samudra Manthan offshore exploration.
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