In a written reply in the House, Defence Minister A K Antony said that under the first phase of the plan, a cluster of 46 radars are being operationalised.
"A Coastal Surveillance Network consisting of a chain of static radars and electro-optic sensors at 84 remote sites is envisaged along the coastline including island territories to detect movement of suspicious vessels... The network is envisaged to be fully functional by middle of next year," he said.
Out of the 46 radars in the first phase, 36 will be installed on the main land and 10 in island territories.
Antony also told the House that the concerned coastal states are cooperating and providing full assistance for executive the project in time.
Replying to another question on surveillance of the routes taken by foreign ships while sailing through the Indian waters, the Minister said that it is done as per operational requirements without reference to any particular route taken by the foreign flag ships.
"Indian Navy undertakes surveillance of maritime areas including International Shipping Lanes through deployment of naval ships and aircraft," he said. (MORE)
