Coast Guard on a major expansion mode in Haldia

Haldia, Aug 20 (UNI) Indian Coast Guard has planned to take up a major expansion plan to increase its fleet in Haldia, an industrial hub in the state, at a cost of Rs 100 crore.

Haldia Coast Guard Commandant Gurupdesh Singh said at least half a dozen helicopters and small aircrafts would be added to its fleet to increase surveillance on the Haldia Coast Line.

''Keeping in mind the increasing importance of Haldia as an Industrial hub, we need to step up our surveillance along the coast,'' the commandant said.

According to Singh, the Coast Guard would also keep a watch on Nandigram, about five Kms from Haldia, where a Mega Chemical Hub and a Ship Repairing Yard would come up.

''We propose to build a helicopter squadron and are looking for space to house it. We will also set up a helipad and an air-strip for our small aircraft like Dornier,'' he added.

A Hovercraft Port would also be constructed in addition to a Jetty at the confluence of the Hoogly and Haldi rivers. The Jetty would be upgraded and converted into a port.

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