Paradip, Feb. 8: Indian Coast Guard has inducted Amogh, a high-speed vessel, at its Paradip base to strengthen coastal security.

The state-of-the-art ship comes under fast patrol vessel (FPV) category that would ensure a quick response to suspected mid-sea infiltration.

With the induction of Amogh, the indigenously designed ship, the number of patrolling vessels under the Coast Guard command has now increased to six, said Coast Guard assistant commandant Satya Prakash.

The FPVs are considered as workhorses at the sea. Larger ships have more artillery but they lack speed and flexibility, which comes from FPVs like Amogh. It could travel at a speed of 63kmph. The ship is also armed with a sophisticated gun. It has a global positioning system (GPS) and ultra-modern radar to maintain round-the-clock vigil on the sea routes. The vessel would also come in handy for relief and rescue operation during natural calamities, said a Coast Guard official.

The stationing of the Amogh would boost the maritime security of Paradip coast, said Gouri Prasad Biswal, the port facility and security officer.

Last year, the Coast Guard had commissioned interceptor vessels Vajra and ICGS C-425 in Paradip.The Coast Guard had launched its air enclave unit from the Biju Patnaik international airport in December last year.

The setting up of the aerial unit had strengthened the air surveillance mechanism of the state. Two Coast Guard aircraft have also been stationed at the enclave unit to provide support to surveillance by Dornier aircraft that's equipped with advanced navigational and communication sensors and equipment for response to pollution, search and rescue, said an official.

The coast guard stations in the state are poised for an infrastructure facelift for better maritime surveillance in the exclusive economic zone along the coast. The infrastructure refurbishment bears testimony to the strategic importance of the Odisha coast from security viewpoint, another Coast Guard personnel said.

The infrastructure revamp process includes the setting up of a helipad, a warehouse and a radar observation centre in Paradip. The Centre has approved the process under the coastal security plan. Once the state government gives land, the project would get a kick-start in Paradip, the personnel said.