In a spectacular first for India, the retired naval warship INS Guldar has begun a remarkable second life beneath the waters of the Arabian Sea. Positioned nearly 20 to 22 metres below sea level off the coast of Sindhudurg near Vijaydurg, the massive vessel is set to become the country’s first underwater museum and artificial coral reef project.

The ambitious initiative, led by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), achieved a major milestone on May 19 as expert teams successfully lowered the decommissioned warship onto the seabed after nearly 36 hours of continuous operations. 
The ambitious project is happening near the Nivati Rock formations in Sindhudurg district and is set to transform coastal tourism in Maharashtra

A Naval Giant Begins a New Mission

For nearly four decades, INS Guldar proudly served the Indian Navy, playing a key role in maritime operations before being officially decommissioned on January 12, 2024. But instead of fading into history, the warship has now been reborn as a symbol of innovation, sustainability and tourism.

In February 2025, the Navy handed over the vessel free of cost to MTDC, opening the door for one of the most unique tourism experiments the country has ever seen. The project was developed under the guidance of Shambhuraj Desai, with support from Nitesh Rane and Indranil Naik.

Officials say the project went through multiple carefully monitored stages, including transportation of the vessel, cleaning and removal of hazardous materials and final underwater positioning.

India’s New Adventure Tourism Hotspot

Once operational, the underwater museum is expected to become a dream destination for scuba divers, adventure seekers and marine enthusiasts from across the world. Tourists will be able to explore the submerged warship through guided scuba diving tours led by certified divers. 

INS Guldar is expected to offer much more than an adrenaline rush. The structure is designed to function as an artificial reef, gradually attracting coral growth, colourful fish species and thriving underwater vegetation. Over time, the ship is expected to transform into a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with aquatic life.

Blending Heritage With Sustainability

The underwater museum is not just about tourism, it is also about preserving history and promoting environmental conservation. According to MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gathane, the project will allow visitors to experience maritime heritage in a completely new way while also contributing to marine biodiversity.

Artificial reefs created using retired ships have proven successful in several countries by supporting marine life regeneration and reducing pressure on natural coral ecosystems. With INS Guldar, Maharashtra is attempting to combine naval heritage conservation with ecological restoration.

A Big Boost for Konkan Economy

Beyond tourism and conservation, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for local coastal communities. From scuba diving instructors and boat operators to hospitality businesses and tourism services, the initiative could create a fresh economic ecosystem around adventure tourism in the Konkan region.

To safeguard marine biodiversity, authorities have proposed restrictions on fishing and anchoring activities within a 500-metre radius of the site. Officials say the initiative has the potential to emerge as a benchmark for sustainable marine tourism in India. 

Meanwhile, MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne stated that the underwater tourism project is currently under development and is expected to become operational within the next one-and-a-half years.