The Andhra Pradesh government has joined hands with IIT Madras to develop a scientific and long-term solution to severe coastal erosion along the Uppada coast in Kakinada district, with a ₹323 crore protection project planned.
Andhra Pradesh, IIT Madras Partner for Uppada Coast Protection
The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Madras on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to strengthen protection of the erosion-hit Uppada coastline in the Pithapuram Assembly constituency. The agreement was signed at Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s camp office in Mangalagiri.
Under the partnership, IIT Madras will prepare the design and Detailed Project Report and provide technical supervision for the proposed coastal protection structures.
₹323 Crore Coastal Protection Wall Planned
The Uppada coast protection project is estimated to cost ₹323 crore and is intended to reduce the impact of continuing sea erosion on vulnerable coastal settlements and fishing communities. The project has received approval under the Central Government’s National Disaster Management Fund.
The State Disaster Management Authority will function as the nodal agency, while the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board will be responsible for executing the construction work.
IIT Madras to Conduct Scientific Coastal Studies
Experts from IIT Madras will carry out detailed studies before finalising the engineering solution for Uppada. The assessment will examine the severity of shoreline erosion, ocean currents, wave action and other site-specific coastal conditions.
The findings will be used to design appropriate protection structures suited to the local shoreline rather than relying on a generic coastal defence model. IIT Madras’ Ocean Engineering expertise is expected to provide the technical foundation for the project’s design and implementation.
Construction Work Expected to Begin in November
Officials are making preparations to begin ground-level works from November 2026. The project is particularly significant for fishing villages and other settlements along the Uppada coast that have faced repeated threats from sea incursions and shoreline loss.
Once implemented, the proposed protection structures are expected to strengthen coastal resilience and reduce future erosion risks. The partnership combines government funding and implementation agencies with IIT Madras’ scientific expertise to develop a more sustainable coastal protection strategy for Uppada.
