Maharashtra Govt earmarks Rs 150 cr to buy speed boats

In the aftermath of 26/11 terror attacks, Maharashtra government has set aside Rs 150 crore to buy 28 hi-tech speed boats for patrolling the sea.  

The first boat, equipped with bullet-proof jackets and sophisticated communication systems, was provided to the Thane (rural) police and was tested at the Versova creek on Ghodbunder Road in neighbouring Thane on Monday.  

"We are expecting to get one more such boat and it would be used for coastal patrolling. Coastal belts like Utan and Pali fall under our jurisdiction," Thane (rural) Superintendent of Police Madhukar Pandey said.  

The government had made a proposal for acquiring 28 such boats after the November 26 terror attacks, carried out by a group of ten terrorists who entered the city via the sea.  

The boats, manufactured by Goa Shipyard Ltd, have a 550 horsepower capacity and will be equipped with bullet-proof jackets along with weapons.  

In addition, the boats will have ultra-modern navigation tools and Global Positioning System (GPS) for constant communication with the police control room, Pandey said.

Two speed boats will also be made available for patrolling the coastal belts of neighbouring Raigad district.  

Post 26/11, coastal regions have stepped up vigilance and are on high alert. These sophisticated boats will be much better than the fishing trawlers being used by the police for patrolling, Kokan Range Inspector General K K Pathak said.  

He further said that the boats will also be equipped with telescopes, wireless sets and walkie-talkies and will be manned by police personnel trained in coastal patrolling.