Maharashtra is poised to make a splash on the global tourism map with the creation of India’s first underwater museum and artificial reef, featuring the decommissioned naval ship INS Guldar. In a landmark move, the Indian Navy has handed over the 83.9-meter Kumbhir-class landing ship to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), which plans to deliberately sink it near Nivati Rocks, Sindhudurg. It will then be transformed it into a one-of-a-kind scuba diving attraction point, approimately 500 km from Mumbai.
INS Guldar to create a marine wonderland in Sindhudurg
The 83.9-meter Kumbhir-class vessel, which served the Indian Navy for over 38 years before its decommissioning in January 2024, will soon find a new purpose beneath the waters off Sindhudurg’s Nivati Rocks. The ship will be strategically scuttled to foster coral growth and marine biodiversity, transforming it into both a tourism hotspot and an ecological asset.
In a historic step, the #IndianNavy handed over Ex INS Guldar to @HelloMTDC on 21 Feb at Karwar. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. The MTDC will convert the decommissioned ship into an underwater museum and artificial reef, which will involve complete cleaning,… pic.twitter.com/tzOskyFW5k
— Western Naval Command (@IN_WNC) February 21, 2025
Atul Patne, Principal Secretary-Tourism, Maharashtra, explained that the vessel will first be berthed and thoroughly cleaned at the Maharashtra Maritime Board’s port in Vijaydurg before being sunk at Nivati Rocks. He noted that the initiative would enhance scuba diving and adventure tourism while also supporting marine conservation.
With a ₹20 crore investment, the project aims to make Sindhudurg a premier diving destination. Once decontaminated, INS Guldar will serve as an artificial reef, attracting marine species and offering divers an unforgettable experience of an evolving underwater habitat. The entire process is expected to be completed in two months.
Calling the project a “game-changer”, Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane highlighted its potential to boost regional tourism and create employment opportunities. He added that the initiative would significantly enhance tourism in Sindhudurg while creating both direct and indirect job opportunities.
The global boom of artificial reefs for tourism
Similar successful initiatives exist globally in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Europe, where decommissioned naval vessels have been repurposed to promote scuba diving and marine conservation. Florida alone reportedly generates approximately ₹50 crore annually from diving tourism.
Already a growing water sports hub, Sindhudurg will attract more visitors with this ₹20 crore project. Backed by environmental clearances, INS Guldar’s transformation will boost Maharashtra’s adventure and eco-tourism in the coming months.
