An initiative that will bridge naval heritage with ecological conservation and tourism, the decommissioned Indian Navy warship INS Guldar is all set to become India’s first-ever underwater museum and artificial coral reef. The ambitious project, launched virtually by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to position Sindhudurg’s Vengurla taluka, near Nivati Rock, as a global destination for eco-tourism and underwater exploration.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with key cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats. Hailed as a first-of-its-kind project in the country, officials describe it as a “historic step” that seamlessly combines marine ecology, naval history, and adventure tourism.
A Warship Turned Living Reef
INS Guldar, a 1,120-tonne Landing Ship Tank (LST) measuring 83.9 metres in length and 9.7 metres in width, was officially retired from active service on January 12, 2024. Shortly thereafter, the vessel was handed over, free of cost, to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) by the Indian Navy, with the approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Navy also shouldered the expenses to tow the ship from Port Blair to the Karwar Naval Base, significantly reducing the financial burden on the state government.
On February 22, 2024, MTDC formally took possession of the vessel, which was then towed to Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg by March 16, 2025. The Maharashtra Maritime Board extended full cooperation by allowing the ship to be docked at the Vijaydurg jetty free of cost for a period of six to seven months.
Union Government Extends Rs 46.91 Cr Boost
The Ministry of Tourism, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, sanctioned a grant of Rs 46.91 crore on December 27, 2024, to fund the transformation of INS Guldar into an immersive underwater museum. The funding supports not only the sinking and installation of the vessel but also the creation of associated tourist infrastructure and marine conservation efforts.
The ship underwent extensive environmental cleaning by April 15, 2025, to ensure that its submersion would not harm the marine ecosystem. On April 16, 2025, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited was officially tasked with executing the scuttling operation near Nivati Rock, a site chosen for its ecological suitability and tourism potential.
Once submerged, the vessel is expected to become a haven for marine life, facilitating coral colonisation and forming an artificial reef, a sustainable underwater habitat. In addition to promoting biodiversity, the site will soon offer scuba diving experiences and, potentially, submarine tours to provide tourists with a first-hand look at the ship and its thriving aquatic surroundings.
A Tourism Game-Changer
This visionary initiative will firmly place Sindhudurg on the global tourism map. MTDC Managing Director Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi and General Manager Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, in collaboration with Sindhudurg District Collector Anil Patil, are overseeing the project’s execution with local coordination and logistical support.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, CM Fadnavis said, “This is not just about sinking a ship, it’s about reviving marine life, preserving history, and creating a unique adventure that India has never seen before.”
Inspiration from Global Models
Underwater museums and artificial reefs have been successfully developed in countries like the United States, Australia, and Egypt, where decommissioned ships serve dual purposes: preserving maritime heritage and fostering marine biodiversity. The INS Guldar project draws inspiration from these global benchmarks but is being hailed as uniquely Indian in its blend of national pride, ecological responsibility, and economic opportunity.
The MTDC plans to build allied tourist amenities around the site, including guided diving services, interpretative centers, and training programs for local youth to become certified diving instructors and underwater guides.
A Legacy Beneath the Waves
As India’s first underwater warship museum prepares for its final descent into the Arabian Sea, officials, conservationists, and tourism experts are hopeful that it will serve as a model for sustainable heritage tourism in the country.
By allowing future generations to dive into a piece of naval history surrounded by flourishing marine life, INS Guldar promises to offer not just a visual spectacle but a powerful story of transformation, conservation, and national pride beneath the waves.
