India’s First Underwater Museum to Come Up in Sindhudurg; ‘Ex-INS Guldar’ to Put Maharashtra on Global Maritime Tourism Map: Minister Shambhuraj Desai

Mumbai, May 2026 : Maharashtra is set to create the country’s first underwater museum and integrated submarine tourism destination with the successful installation of the retired Indian Navy warship “Ex-INS Guldar” on the seabed near Nivati Rock in Sindhudurg district, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai announced on Thursday.

The ambitious project, being implemented by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is expected to emerge as a globally recognised marine tourism attraction and a major milestone for India’s tourism sector.

Minister Desai said the project marks the beginning of India’s first integrated experiential submarine tourism initiative. Visitors will be able to enjoy guided wreck diving, submarine experiences, discover scuba diving up to 12 metres, certified diver expeditions up to 18 metres, advanced diving experiences up to 30 metres, underwater photography tourism, and marine education and research activities.

He added that details regarding diving slots, submarine bookings, and tourist facilities will soon be announced through MTDC’s official platforms.

Desai said the project gained momentum under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar. He also acknowledged the support of Minister of State Indranil Naik, Tourism Department Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Khandare, and MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne for the successful implementation of the project.

The project is being developed under the Government of India’s “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)” scheme aimed at creating world-class iconic tourism centres. The Central Government has approved Rs 46.91 crore for the project, while the Maharashtra Government has sanctioned Rs 112.46 crore.

Ex-INS Guldar, a Magar-class Landing Ship Tank (LST) of the Indian Navy, served the nation for 39 years before being decommissioned on January 12, 2024. Originally commissioned at the Gdynia Shipyard in Poland on December 30, 1985, the 83.9-metre-long vessel was extensively used in amphibious operations, troop transportation, coastal security, and naval exercises.

On May 19, 2026, the ship was successfully scuttled and installed at a depth of approximately 22 metres near Nivati Rock off the Sindhudurg coast through MDL. The site was selected after extensive scientific studies conducted by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the National Institute of Oceanography, which confirmed that the area had no natural coral reefs and would not face adverse environmental impact.

Before being submerged, the ship underwent comprehensive environmental cleaning. The vessel’s strong steel structure is now expected to function as an artificial reef, promoting marine biodiversity, coral growth, fish resources, and ecological balance.

Tourists are expected to travel by speedboat from the jetty to Nivati Rock and then explore the submerged warship through submarines or scuba diving while observing corals and marine life.

The project is expected to significantly boost the tourism economy of Sindhudurg and the entire Konkan coastline by attracting domestic and international tourists. Increased tourist inflow is likely to generate economic opportunities in hospitality, transport, food services, tourism operations, and local businesses while also creating long-term employment and allied economic activities.

Officials said the project would introduce a world-class underwater tourism experience in Maharashtra for the first time, opening new avenues in adventure tourism, scuba diving, underwater exploration, and marine tourism.

The submerged warship will gradually evolve into an artificial reef, creating a protected habitat for marine species, fish, aquatic plants, and microorganisms, thereby strengthening marine biodiversity.

The initiative is also being viewed as a tribute to India’s naval heritage by repurposing a retired warship in an environmentally sustainable and tourism-oriented manner. It will help showcase the Indian Navy’s legacy and maritime history to future generations.

Inspired by internationally renowned wreck diving destinations such as USS Oriskany in Florida, USA, and HMAS Swan in Australia, the project is poised to become India’s first globally benchmarked underwater museum and artificial reef tourism initiative.

MTDC has invited tourists, scuba divers, marine researchers, students, photographers, and international visitors to experience this unique underwater tourism destination in Maharashtra.

Team Maverick.