1. Introduction

The Andhra Pradesh Coastal Security Police (CSP), also known as the Marine Police Wing, is a specialized unit of the Andhra Pradesh Police responsible for safeguarding the state's coastline, coastal waters, fishing communities, harbours, and maritime assets.

Its primary objective is to prevent:

• Terrorist infiltration through sea routes
• Smuggling of narcotics, arms, and contraband
• Illegal immigration and human trafficking
• Maritime crimes
• Threats to coastal infrastructure and ports

2. Historical Background

Before 2008: Coastal security in India was primarily the responsibility of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. State police had only a limited role in maritime security.

Impact of the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks: The terrorist attacks on 26 November 2008 exposed major vulnerabilities in India's coastal security framework. The terrorists entered India through the sea route, highlighting the need for stronger coastal policing. As a result, the Government of India strengthened the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) and directed all coastal states, including Andhra Pradesh, to establish dedicated Coastal Security Police Stations and Marine Police units.

3. Andhra Pradesh Coastline

Andhra Pradesh has one of the longest coastlines in India — earlier official figure approximately 974 km, with a recent revised estimate of approximately 1,053 km.

Coastal Districts: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, Krishna, Bapatla, and Nellore.

4. Formation of Coastal Security Police

Phase-I: The Government of India sanctioned 6 Coastal Police Stations, 18 Patrol Boats, 12 Four-Wheel Vehicles, and 18 Motorcycles.

Phase-II: Additional infrastructure was sanctioned including more Coastal Police Stations, Interceptor Boats, Communication Systems, Marine Equipment, and residential & operational facilities. Today, Andhra Pradesh operates approximately 21 Coastal Police Stations along its coastline.

5. Major Responsibilities

6. Key Coastal Police Stations

Station	District
Kalingapatnam	Srikakulam
Rushikonda	Visakhapatnam
Vakalapudi	Kakinada Region
Gilakaladindi	Krishna
Suryalanka	Bapatla
Dugarajapatnam	Nellore

7. Organisational Structure & Coordination

The Coastal Security Police works closely with: AP Police, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Customs Department, Fisheries Department, Intelligence Agencies, and Port Authorities — a multi-agency approach known as Coastal Security Architecture.

8. Equipment & Assets

9. Sagar Kavach Exercise

Sagar Kavach is a nationwide coastal security exercise conducted periodically to test preparedness, simulate terrorist infiltration attempts, improve inter-agency coordination, and validate response mechanisms. Participants include the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Fisheries Department, Intelligence Agencies, and Port Authorities.

10. Key Challenges

• Manpower Shortage: Significant gap between sanctioned strength and available personnel
• Boat Maintenance: Several interceptor boats require periodic maintenance and upgrades
• Large Operational Area: Over 1,000 km of coastline with hundreds of fish landing centers and numerous ports
• Technology Integration: Need for real-time vessel tracking, AI-based threat detection, and integrated command centers

11. Strategic Importance

Andhra Pradesh is strategically important due to its long coastline on the Bay of Bengal, major ports including Visakhapatnam Port and Kakinada Port, a large fishing population, offshore energy infrastructure, and international shipping routes near the eastern coast. Any security breach along this coastline can have implications for national security and economic stability.