India’s First Underwater Museum & Artificial Reef: INS Guldar to be Transformed into Marine Tourism Attraction
Mumbai, June 10, 2025: In a historic move for marine tourism and conservation, the Indian Navy has handed over the decommissioned warship INS Guldar to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to be converted into India’s first underwater museum and artificial reef. The project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mantralaya in Mumbai, marks a pioneering step in eco-friendly tourism and naval heritage preservation.
A Landmark Initiative for Marine Tourism
The INS Guldar, a Landing Ship Tank (Medium), will be moved to the coast of Nivati Rock in Sindhudurg district, near Vengurla, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind underwater attraction. This initiative is the first of its kind in India, blending tourism, environmental conservation, and naval history.
The ship, which served the Indian Navy for nearly four decades, was decommissioned on January 12, 2024, after a distinguished career. Built at the Gdynia Shipyard in Poland, it was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 30, 1985. During its service, the vessel spent over 3,900 operational days and conducted 490 beaching operations, playing a crucial role in transporting Army troops during strategic missions.
Eco-Friendly Transformation & Tourism Boost
The MTDC will undertake the complete conversion process, which includes:
- Thorough cleaning to remove pollutants and hazardous materials.
- Securing necessary environmental clearances to ensure marine safety.
- Obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from concerned authorities.
- Settling the ship at the designated site in Sindhudurg with strict safety protocols.
Once operational, the underwater museum will attract divers, marine enthusiasts, and history buffs, offering a unique glimpse into India’s naval legacy while promoting eco-tourism. The artificial reef will also support marine biodiversity, creating a habitat for aquatic life.
Political & Administrative Support
The project launch was attended by key dignitaries, including:
- Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde & Ajit Pawar
- Ministers Shambhuraj Desai, Nitesh Rane, and Indraneel Naik
Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized that this initiative will boost tourism in Maharashtra’s coastal belt while setting a global benchmark for sustainable marine projects.
A New Chapter in Naval Heritage & Tourism
The INS Guldar underwater museum is set to become a major tourist hotspot, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting adventure tourism and marine conservation. With its strategic location in Sindhudurg, a district known for its pristine beaches and rich maritime history, the project is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors.
This groundbreaking initiative not only honors the legacy of INS Guldar but also paves the way for future decommissioned naval ships to be repurposed for eco-tourism and marine ecosystem development.
