Mumbai, May 21: Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, known for its scenic beaches and historic sea forts, is set to emerge as a major marine tourism destination with India’s first underwater museum and submarine tourism project coming up off its coastline.
The ambitious project is being developed near the Nivati Rock formations in Sindhudurg, some 500 kilometres from Mumbai, and is expected to boost adventure and marine tourism in the Konkan region, officials said on Thursday.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in a press release, said it has successfully scuttled decommissioned Indian Navy warship Ex-INS Guldar off the Sindhudurg coast as part of India’s first underwater museum, artificial reef and submarine tourism project.
The warship was installed on the seabed near Nivati Rock at a depth of around 22 metres on May 19 in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the release informed.
“The site near the Konkan coast was selected after scientific studies conducted by Maharashtra Maritime Board and CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography confirmed the absence of natural coral reefs and minimal environmental impact,” the release said.
The project, being developed under the Centre’s ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’, aims to position Maharashtra as a major marine and experiential tourism destination.
“The Union government approved financial assistance of Rs 46.91 crore for the project in November 2024, while Maharashtra government granted revised administrative approval of Rs 112.46 crore in December 2025,” an official said.
Ex-INS Guldar, a Magar-class Landing Ship Tank (LST) warship of the Indian Navy, served for 39 years before being decommissioned on January 12, 2024. The vessel, launched at Gdynia Shipyard in Poland on December 30, 1985, was used in amphibious warfare operations, troop transportation, coastal security and naval exercises.
Prior to scuttling, the vessel underwent environmental cleaning, the official said, adding the structure would now function as an artificial reef to promote coral growth, marine biodiversity and fisheries resources.
“Under the project, tourists will travel from the jetty to Nivati Rock by speedboat and access the site through barges for submarine rides and scuba diving experiences. The tourism initiative will offer guided wreck diving, 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 activities,” the release said.
The project is expected to boost tourism and economic activity across Sindhudurg district and the Konkan coastline by generating employment and supporting allied businesses such as accommodation, transport and food services, the official said.
“The project will give a completely new direction to marine tourism in India while ensuring sustainable development of natural resources,” Sindhudurg Collector Trupti Dhomase told reporters at Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) at Tarkarli.
Once operational, the site is expected to attract scuba divers, adventure tourists and marine enthusiasts. Visitors will also be able to take part in guided underwater tours, underwater photography and marine biodiversity exploration activities.
To make the attraction accessible to non-divers, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is also developing a submarine tourism facility.
“The submarine project is under construction and is likely to become operational within one-and-half years. The submarine will allow tourists to safely view the underwater warship and marine ecosystem without diving into the sea. This will make underwater tourism accessible to a wider range of visitors,” MTDC managing director Nilesh Gatne said.
Officials said artificial coral reefs will also be created around the submerged vessel to encourage marine biodiversity and create a habitat for fish and other marine species. Over time, the structure is expected to evolve into a vibrant underwater ecosystem, they added.
Authorities said environmental safeguards are being prioritised as part of the project. A scientific study conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, confirmed that the selected site does not contain natural coral formations.
All hazardous and polluting materials have been removed from the vessel before its planned deployment underwater, officials said.
Restrictions on fishing and anchoring activities within a 500-metre radius of the site have also been proposed to protect marine biodiversity.
Officials believe the project could generate employment opportunities for local youth in scuba diving, tourism services, hospitality, photography, boating and water sports-related activities.
Tourism experts said the underwater museum and submarine rides would add a new dimension to tourism in Sindhudurg.
It will place the coastal district among emerging global marine tourism destinations, the experts added. (PTI)
