Bharatiya Tatrakshak Swarn Jayanti Circle Inaugurated
Gujarat Dedicates First-Ever Indian Coast Guard Memorial Circle to Mark Force’s Golden Jubilee
The Government of Gujarat has renamed the CHH-4B Circle in Gandhinagar as “Bharatiya Tatrakshak Swarn Jayanti Circle”, marking 50 years of service by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). State officials said the landmark is the first public circle in India dedicated to the maritime security force.
The circle was inaugurated by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in the presence of Inspector General Tekur Sashi Kumar, TM, Commander, Indian Coast Guard Region (North West), along with state government representatives, Coast Guard veterans, serving officers and enrolled personnel.
The inauguration forms part of the Indian Coast Guard’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The force, which began operations in 1976 and has since grown into one of India’s primary maritime security organisations, completed 50 years of service during 2026.
Located in Gandhinagar, the newly named circle has been designed around the operational role of the Coast Guard and features representations of key assets used by the force. These include an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft, and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Statues of Coast Guard personnel have also been installed at the site.
Officials said a digital display wall has been added to present information and visuals related to Coast Guard operations, rescue missions and maritime security activities.
The memorial reflects the close connection between Gujarat and the Indian Coast Guard. Gujarat has one of the country’s longest coastlines, stretching for more than 1,600 kilometres along the Arabian Sea. The coastline includes major ports, fishing zones, industrial hubs and strategically important maritime areas. Protecting this region requires constant surveillance and coordination among maritime agencies.
The Indian Coast Guard’s North West Region headquarters is located in Gandhinagar. The command is responsible for monitoring a large section of India’s western coastline, including sensitive areas near the International Maritime Boundary Line. The region plays a major role in coastal security, anti-smuggling operations, search-and-rescue missions and environmental protection efforts.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel displayed at the circle represents one of the Coast Guard’s most visible operational platforms. Such vessels conduct maritime patrols, surveillance, fisheries protection duties, anti-piracy operations and humanitarian missions. They are frequently deployed for long-duration patrols across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The inclusion of a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter reflects the growing importance of aerial surveillance in maritime security. Dornier aircraft are regularly used to detect suspicious activities at sea, monitor shipping movements and support rescue operations. Helicopters provide rapid response capability, allowing personnel to reach distressed vessels and coastal areas quickly during emergencies.
The Indian Coast Guard was established following recommendations made after concerns emerged about smuggling and maritime law enforcement challenges along India’s coastline. Parliament passed the Coast Guard Act in 1978, giving the organisation legal authority to carry out its duties.
Over the decades, the force has expanded significantly. Today, it operates a large fleet of ships, aircraft and helicopters and works closely with the Indian Navy, marine police, customs authorities and other security agencies. Its responsibilities include maritime surveillance, coastal security, protection of offshore assets, pollution response, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations and support during natural disasters.
The Coast Guard has also become a key player in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. During cyclones, floods and maritime accidents, its personnel are often among the first responders. Search-and-rescue missions conducted by the organisation have saved thousands of lives over the years.
The Golden Jubilee year has seen several commemorative events across the country. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence observed the Indian Coast Guard’s 50th Raising Day and unveiled a Swarnim Jayanti logo and a commemorative postage stamp honouring the force’s contribution to maritime security. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the organisation as an important pillar of India’s security framework and noted its role in protecting maritime interests, preventing illegal activities at sea and supporting disaster relief efforts. According to official figures released during the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Coast Guard has saved more than 11,800 lives since its inception.
For Gujarat, the dedication of the Bharatiya Tatrakshak Swarn Jayanti Circle carries additional significance. The state’s economy is closely linked to maritime activity through ports, shipping, fisheries and coastal industries. Major ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Dahej and Hazira handle large volumes of domestic and international trade. Securing these maritime routes is considered vital for economic activity and national security.
Security concerns along the western coast have also shaped India’s coastal protection strategy over the years. Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, coastal surveillance systems were strengthened, and coordination among maritime agencies increased substantially. The Indian Coast Guard was given an expanded role in coastal security architecture, working alongside the Navy and state agencies.
The newly inaugurated circle serves not only as a commemorative structure but also as a public reminder of the work carried out by maritime security personnel. Officials involved with the project said the display has been created to improve public awareness about the Coast Guard’s responsibilities and operational role.
The installation presents a visual representation of the force’s presence at sea throughout the year. Through its ships, aircraft and personnel, the Coast Guard maintains continuous surveillance across India’s maritime zones, responding to emergencies, monitoring illegal activities and supporting coastal communities when required.
State officials and Coast Guard representatives attending the inauguration described the project as a tribute to generations of officers and personnel who have served the organisation during its first five decades. Veterans of the force were also present during the ceremony, reflecting the institution’s history and development since its formation.
As India continues to place greater emphasis on maritime security, coastal infrastructure and the blue economy, the role of the Indian Coast Guard is expected to remain central. The Bharatiya Tatrakshak Swarn Jayanti Circle now stands in Gandhinagar as a permanent public symbol of that mission and of the force’s 50-year journey in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
