DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS

Dwarka is an important pilgrim centre and head quarters of Okha mandal region. It is situated on Okha–Mumbai rail link and is 145 Km from Jamnagar. The famous Dwarkadheesh -Lord Krishna temple here was constructed more than 500 years ago on the confluence of river Gomti and Arabian Sea. Prior to independence Dwarka was part of state of Baroda. It was the centre of military action against native Wagher revolt on 8th December 1820.

A port was developed in the early 19th century at nearby Rupen creek. A flag mast was provided at the port to hoist a lamp which served the purpose of lighthouse. In the year 1866 a square masonry tower 18m high was constructed at the present site. An oil wick lamp inside a 6th order optic was installed on the tower. On 29th November 1877 then Governor of Bombay Sir Richard Temple came to Dwarka by sea route. He visited Dwarka lighthouse also and observed the light to be grossly inadequate. Subsequently a PV equipment with 4th order revolving optic supplied by M/s. Chance Bros., England replaced wick lamp in 1881.Minor modifications were also carried out in 1900.

In February 1927 LH expert D.Alen Stevenson, visited the station and appreciated its maintenance. During 1960-62 a new 43m high square masonry Tower was constructed and electrical equipment supplied by M/s. Stone Chance, Birmingham was installed over it. A new storm warning signal mast was also erected at the station at the time. The new lighthouse was inaugurated by Mr Raj Bahadur then Minister for Transport, Govt of India on 15th July 1962. An RCC Baffle wall was afterwards constructed for the installation of vibrators and sound horns equipments supplied by M/s BBT, Paris to serve as fog signals. It was commissioned on 15th April 1964.The fog signal service was discontinued in 1988.

A Racon of Marconi origin was installed on the tower on 11th May 1978. The direct drive by a stepper motor and replacement of incandescent lamp by MH lamp was carried out on 5th April 1996.