Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district is set to emerge as a major marine tourism hub with India’s first underwater museum and submarine tourism project being developed off its coastline near the Nivati Rock formations, around 500 kilometres from Mumbai, reports PTI. The initiative is expected to strengthen adventure and marine tourism in the Konkan region, officials said on Thursday.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) said in a press release that the decommissioned Indian Navy warship has been successfully scuttled off the Sindhudurg coast as part of the country’s first underwater museum, artificial reef and submarine tourism project.
The vessel was placed on the seabed near Nivati Rock at a depth of around 22 metres on May 19 in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
According to officials, the site was selected after scientific assessments by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography confirmed the absence of natural coral reefs and minimal environmental impact.
Project under central and state tourism development scheme
The project is being implemented under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme for the development of iconic tourist centres at a global scale. It aims to position Maharashtra as a leading destination for marine and experiential tourism.
Officials said the Union government approved financial assistance of Rs 46.91 crore in November 2024, while the Maharashtra government granted revised administrative approval of Rs 112.46 crore in December 2025.
Ship to function as artificial reef
Ex-INS Guldar, a Magar-class Landing Ship Tank of the Indian Navy, served for 39 years before being decommissioned on January 12, 2024. The vessel was launched in Poland in 1985 and was used for amphibious operations, troop transport, coastal security and naval exercises.
Before being scuttled, the ship underwent environmental cleaning. Officials said it will now act as an artificial reef to support coral growth, marine biodiversity and fisheries resources.
Tourism activities planned around underwater site
Under the project, tourists will travel by speedboat from the jetty to Nivati Rock and access the site via barges for submarine rides and scuba diving experiences. Activities will include guided wreck diving, discover scuba diving up to 12 metres, certified dives up to 18 metres, advanced diving up to 30 metres, underwater photography and marine education programmes.
Once operational, the site is expected to attract scuba divers, adventure tourists and marine enthusiasts through guided underwater exploration activities.
Submarine facility planned for wider access
To make the attraction accessible to non-divers, MTDC is developing a submarine tourism facility. Officials said the submarine is under construction and is expected to become operational within one-and-a-half years. It will allow visitors to view the submerged warship and marine ecosystem without diving.
Environmental safeguards and biodiversity measures
Officials said environmental protection measures are central to the project. A study by the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa confirmed the absence of natural coral formations at the site.
All hazardous materials were removed from the vessel before its underwater deployment. Restrictions on fishing and anchoring within a 500-metre radius of the site have also been proposed to protect marine life.
Artificial coral reefs will be developed around the wreck to promote marine biodiversity and create habitats for fish and other species. Over time, the structure is expected to develop into a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Expected economic boost for Konkan region
Authorities said the project is expected to generate employment in scuba diving, tourism services, hospitality, photography, boating and water sports activities, benefiting local youth and allied businesses.
Sindhudurg Collector Trupti Dhomase said the initiative will give a new direction to marine tourism in India while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources during a briefing at the Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports in Tarkarli.
Tourism experts said the underwater museum and submarine rides will add a new dimension to Sindhudurg’s tourism profile and place it among emerging global marine tourism destinations.
(With inputs from PTI)
