MUMBAI: A decommissioned Navy warship that served India for 39 years is set to become an underwater tourism attraction off Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg coast. The Ex-INS Guldar, now resting about 22 metres beneath the sea near Nivati Rock, has earned the state’s marine tourism push national recognition, winning the Golden Banyan Award 2026 under The Week Heritage Awards. Backed by a combined central and state funding allocation of ?159.37 crore, the project aims to turn the submerged vessel into an underwater museum and artificial reef, opening up new possibilities for marine exploration and tourism-linked livelihoods.
The award was presented by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library in New Delhi on October 27. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) managing director Neelesh Gatne received it.
Tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai described the recognition as a proud moment for Maharashtra, saying the project would give Sindhudurg a distinctive identity and strengthen its tourism potential.
Rs 159 crore investment in a marine destination
The project is being developed by MTDC under the state tourism department in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. The Centre has allocated ?46.91 crore under its scheme for developing iconic tourist centres to global standards, while the Maharashtra government has earmarked ?112.46 crore.
Ex-INS Guldar, a Magar-class Landing Ship Tank, was decommissioned on January 12, 2024. With assistance from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, it was deployed off the Sindhudurg coast near Nivati Rock on May 19, 2026.
Its steel structure is expected to function as an artificial reef, potentially providing a habitat for marine organisms and supporting coral growth and fishery resources. The extent of these ecological benefits will depend on scientific monitoring and effective management.
Submarine excursions, diving and marine research
The planned attractions include submarine excursions, underwater photography, introductory scuba diving up to 12 metres, certified-diver expeditions up to 18 metres and advanced diving experiences up to 30 metres. Marine education and research are also envisaged, subject to operational arrangements and safety requirements.
Inspired by international wreck-diving destinations such as the USS Oriskany off Florida and HMAS Swan in Australia, the project aims to establish India’s first underwater museum and artificial reef tourism destination developed to international benchmarks.
Tourism department secretary Sanjay Yadav said the award recognised Maharashtra’s efforts to develop innovative destinations while preserving maritime heritage and promoting environmentally responsible tourism.
Gatne said the project was expected to create opportunities for local accommodation providers, transport operators, tour guides and other tourism-related businesses.
For Sindhudurg, the challenge will be to convert the recognition and public investment into sustained local employment without damaging the marine ecosystem. Safe visitor access, responsible diving practices and long-term ecological monitoring will be crucial to making the former warship both a tourism landmark and a conservation asset.
