( Will boost tourism- scuba diving, submarine ride and marine conservation, says Neelesh R. Gatne, MD of MTDC)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
MUMBAI, SINDHUDURG | 21 MAY 2026
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has successfully installed the decommissioned Indian Navy warship “Ex-INS Guldar” on the seabed near Nivati Rock Sindhudurg district, marking a major milestone in one of India’s most ambitious and unique submarine tourism projects. Implemented in coordination with M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the project represents a significant step forward for India’s tourism sector and is set to emerge as a global marine tourism attraction.
The ambitious project gained momentum under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Sunetra Ajit Pawar. The project is being successfully implemented under the leadership and guidance of Minister for Tourism Shri Shambhuraj Desai and Minister of State for Tourism Shri Indranil Naik, along with the efforts of Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Shri Sanjay Khandare (IAS) and MTDC Managing Director Shri Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS).
This ambitious initiative is being developed by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and the Tourism Department, Government of Maharashtra under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India’s “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale” scheme and is expected to position Maharashtra as a leader in marine and experiential tourism.
The Government of India approved financial assistance of ₹46.91 crore on 26/11/2024, while the Government of Maharashtra granted revised administrative approval of 112.46 crore on 31/12/2025 for the project. Ex-INS Guldar was a “Magar-class” Landing Ship Tank (LST) warship of the Indian Navy that served the nation for nearly 39 years before being decommissioned on 12 January 2024. The vessel was launched at Gdynia Shipyard in Poland on 30 December 1985. Measuring 83.9 metres in length, the ship was actively deployed in amphibious warfare operations, transportation of troops and logistics, coastal security, and various naval exercises.
Rethink Tourism Through M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, the vessel was installed on the seabed on 19 May 2026 at a depth of approximately 22 metres at Nivati Rock off the Sindhudurg coast at Latitude 15°52’18.9000″ North and Longitude 73°29’06.8906″ East. The site was selected following detailed scientific studies conducted by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which certified that the area had no natural coral reefs and would not face adverse environmental impacts. Prior to scuttling, the vessel underwent comprehensive environmental cleaning.
The strong steel structure of Ex-INS Guldar will now function as an artificial reef, promoting marine biodiversity, coral growth, fisheries resources, and ecological balance. Under the project, tourists are expected to travel from the jetty to Nivati Rock via speedboat and then access the barge site, from where they will be able to observe coral formations and marine life within the ship through submarine or scuba experiences. India’s first integrated experiential submarine tourism initiative is being launched under this project, and the tourism destination will offer the following facilities: Guided wreck diving and 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 Marine education and research activities
Multi-Dimensional Impact of the Project :
- The project is expected to significantly boost the tourism economy of Sindhudurg district and the entire Konkan coastline. Increasing inflow of domestic and international tourists will enhance economic activity across local businesses, accommodation facilities, transportation, food services, and tourism-related enterprises. In the long term, the project is poised to become an important centre for local economic development, employment generation, and allied businesses.
- The Ex-INS Guldar project introduces Maharashtra’s first world-class submarine tourism experience. Adventure tourism, scuba diving, underwater exploration, and marine tourism will gain a new dimension, helping establish Maharashtra as a leading adventure tourism destination in India. 3. The warship installed on the seabed will gradually evolve into an artificial reef, creating a favourable ecosystem for marine biodiversity. It will provide a protected habitat for various species of fish, marine flora, and microorganisms.
- The environmentally responsible and tourism-oriented reuse of a retired Indian Navy warship is a tribute to the nation’s maritime legacy and military service. The initiative will help showcase the glorious history and heritage of the Indian Navy to future generations.
手 5. The project will position Maharashtra among the leading states implementing innovative and sustainable tourism projects. It will also contribute towards establishing India’s marine tourism potential at the international level and further strengthen the global identity of Maharashtra and India in sustainable and experiential tourism. Inspired by globally renowned wreck diving destinations such as USS Oriskany in Florida (USA) and HMAS Swan in Australia, the project is set to become India’s first world-class underwater museum and artificial reef tourism initiative. MTDC invites domestic and international tourists, scuba divers, marine researchers, students, photographers, and explorers to experience this unique underwater tourism attraction. Information regarding diving slots, submarine bookings, and tourist facilities will soon be announced through MTDC’s official channels, the Managing Director of the Corporation Shri. Neelesh R. Gatne, IAS, stated.
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