Parliament Question: Modernisation of Indian Lighthouses

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING ANS WATERWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 949 ANSWER ON 24.07.2026 MODERNISATION OF INDIAN LIGHTHOUSES 949. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH: Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: , प(cid:419)न पोत प(cid:464)रवहन और जलमाग(cid:91) म(cid:287)ं ी (a) whether the Government has initiated the process of modernisation of Indian lighthouses using Artificial Intelligence technologies, if so, the details thereof including objectives, scope, and implementation status, and if not, the reasons therefor; (b) whether AI-based navigation, monitoring and predictive maintenance systems are being introduced in lighthouses, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether funds have been allocated for lighthouse modernisation projects, if so, the details thereof, including allocation and utilisation, year-wise and if not, the reasons therefor; (d) whether smart surveillance systems are being deployed in coastal lighthouse stations, if so, the details thereof including security benefits and if not, the reasons therefor; and (e) whether AI-enabled systems can enhance maritime safety and reduce accidents along Indian coasts, if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL) (a), (b), (d) & (e) No, Sir. Indian lighthouses infrastructures are maintained and upgraded in accordance with the standards and guidelines issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA). Indian lighthouse infrastructures utilises advanced techniques such as Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS), Radar Beacon (RACON) and Navigational Text message transmission (NAVTEX). Further, following systems installed at lighthouse stations are capable for surveillance: (i) National Automatic Identification System (NAIS): NAIS provides 24×7 tracking and monitoring of vessels along the Indian coast, supports Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and facilitates post-incident analysis.(ii) Vessel Traffic Service (VTS): Operational in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, for real- time vessel traffic monitoring, navigational assistance, collision-risk alerts and improved maritime safety. (c) The details of funds allocated and utilised during the last three years for the improvement and upgradation of lighthouse infrastructure are as follows: Year Final Allocation (₹ in Cr) Utilisation (₹ in Cr) 2023-24 100 99.89 2024-25 90 80.23 2025-26 90 81.82 *****