The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has successfully installed the
decommissioned Indian Navy warship “Ex-INS Guldar” on the seabed near Nivati Rock in
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 Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri
Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, and Hon’ble Deputy Chief
Minister Smt. Sunetra Ajit Pawar. The project i s being successfully implemented under the leadership
and guidance of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Shambhuraj Desai and Hon’ble Minister of State
for Tourism Shri Indranil Naik, along with the efforts o f 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 t o States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist
Centres t o Global Scale” scheme and is expected t o position Maharashtra as a leader i n 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
R112.46 crore on 31/12/2025 for the project.
Ex-INS Guldar was a “Magar-class” Landing Ship Tank (LST) warship o f the Indian Navy that served
the nation for nearly 39 years before being decommissioned on 1 2 January 2024. The vessel was
launched at Gdynia Shipyard in Poland o n 3 0 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.
Fetink
Through M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, the vessel was installed on the
seabed o n 19 May 2026 a t a depth of approximately 2 2 metres a t Nivati Rock off the Sindhudurg
coast a t Latitude 15°52’18.9000″ North and Longitude 73°29’06.8906″ East. The site was selected
following detailed scientific studies conducted b y the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and
CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which certified that the area had n o natural coral
reefs and would not face adverse environmental impacts.
Prior to scuttling, the vessel underwent comprehensive environmental cleaning. The strong steel
structure o f Ex-INS Guldar will now function as a n 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 t o 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 t o 12 metres)
• Certified diver expeditions (up t o 1 8 metres)
• Advanced diving experiences (up to 30 metres)
• Underwater photography tourism
• Marine education and research activities
Multi-Dimensional Impact o f the Project
1. The project i s expected to significantly boost the tourism economy o f 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
a n important centre for local economic development, employment generation, and allied
businesses.
2. 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 a s a leading adventure tourism
destination i n India.
3 . The warship installed o n 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 o f fish, marine flora, and microorganisms.
4. The environmentally responsible and tourism-oriented reuse o f 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.
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 a t the international level and further strengthen the global identity of
Maharashtra and India in sustainable and experiential tourism.
Inspired b y 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 t o 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
