
The Chennai region covers a vital stretch of India’s southeastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, known for its major ports, fishing harbours, and vibrant maritime trade. This coastline, dotted with bustling shipping routes and coastal settlements, plays a key role in supporting economic activities such as commerce, fisheries, and tourism. The area sees frequent movement of merchant vessels, fishing fleets, and passenger crafts navigating both domestic and international waters.The Directorate of Lighthouses and Lightships, Chennai, is entrusted with maintaining the safety of maritime navigation along this busy coastline. Through its network of lighthouses and advanced Aids to Navigation (AtoNs), the Directorate assists mariners in safely negotiating the region’s shipping lanes, harbour approaches, and coastal waters — particularly during adverse weather or in challenging conditions like cyclonic storms.Operating as a regional office under the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), which functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Chennai Directorate remains committed to supporting the secure and efficient movement of vessels along this important maritime corridor.