'In-depth Viewership': INS Guldar Set To Become India's First Underwater Museum
The 1,120-tonne vessel measuring 83.9 metres long and 9.7 metres wide, was retired on January 12, 2024, and gifted to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation by Indian Navy
In a groundbreaking move, the decommissioned Indian Navy warship INS Guldar is set to become India's first underwater museum and artificial coral reef, nestled near Nivati Rock in Sindhudurg's Vengurla taluka, Maharashtra.
This ambitious project, aimed at boosting marine conservation and tourism, was launched virtually by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, with deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with key ministers and officials, in attendance. Officials said it's a historic step, blending heritage, ecology, and adventure to create a unique destination.
The INS Guldar, a 1,120-tonne vessel measuring 83.9 metres long and 9.7 metres wide, was retired on January 12, 2024. Gifted to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) by the Indian Navy at no cost, with approvals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh, the ship was transported from Port Blair to Karwar Naval Base at the Navy's expense, saving significant costs for the state.
On February 22, 2024, MTDC took official possession, and by March 16, 2025, the ship was safely towed to Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg. The Maharashtra Maritime Board permitted the vessel to be docked at its Vijaydurg jetty for six to seven months, free of charge.
The project, funded with Rs 46.91 crore by the union tourism ministry on December 27, 2024, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, involves transforming the INS Guldar into an underwater attraction.
Environmentally cleaned by April 15, 2025, the ship is now ready for scuttling near Nivati Rock, a task assigned to Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited on April 16, 2025. Once submerged, the vessel will foster coral growth, creating a vibrant marine ecosystem. This will pave the way for scuba diving and, in the future, submarine tours, offering tourists a thrilling glimpse of the underwater world.
This initiative, a first for India, draws inspiration from similar projects worldwide. It promises to put Sindhudurg on the global tourism map while promoting marine biodiversity. The MTDC, led by managing director Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi and general manager Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, is working closely with local authorities, including Sindhudurg's district collector Anil Patil, to ensure its success.
By blending history with eco-tourism, officials say the INS Guldar underwater museum will offer an unforgettable experience, inviting adventurers to explore a sunken warship surrounded by thriving coral reefs.
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