Maharashtra unveils India's first underwater museum project; trade sees global potential

A 24-seater submarine will transport visitors underwater around the submerged Ex-INS Guldar, allowing them to witness marine biodiversity, coral formations and underwater ecosystems up close before returning to the barge and subsequently back to the jetty.

Maharashtra is set to introduce India’s first submarine tourism project off the Sindhudurg coast, in a significant move aimed at strengthening the state’s marine and adventure tourism offerings. As part of the initiative, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in collaboration with M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), has installed the decommissioned Indian Navy warship Ex-INS Guldar on the seabed near Nivati Rock in Sindhudurg district.

The project was officially presented during a digital launch and briefing interaction with the travel trade by Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. The initiative is being developed by MTDC 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. The project is expected to position Maharashtra at the forefront of marine and experiential tourism in India.

Before being submerged on May 18, Ex-INS Guldar underwent extensive environmental treatment and cleaning procedures. The vessel’s robust steel structure is now expected to evolve into an artificial reef that supports coral formation, marine biodiversity, coral growth, fisheries resources, and ecological balance.

The project is being positioned as India’s first integrated experiential submarine tourism initiative and will include facilities such as guided wreck diving and submarine experiences, discover scuba diving activities up to 12 metres, certified diver expeditions reaching 18 metres, advanced diving experiences extending to 30 metres, underwater photography tourism, as well as marine education and research activities. Through the Ex-INS Guldar initiative, Maharashtra is also looking to introduce a globally benchmarked underwater tourism experience in India.

Sharing further operational details of the project, Gatne explained that the experience is being designed as an integrated marine tourism attraction combining adventure, leisure and underwater exploration.

According to Gatne, a dedicated barge facility is planned at the site, where nearly 50 visitors will be able to wait and experience the attraction in a comfortable setting, including restaurant facilities. He explained that tourists will first travel to the location by speedboat from the jetty and then board the barge. He stated that the 24-seater submarine will emerge from below the surface and transport visitors underwater around the submerged Ex-INS Guldar, allowing them to witness marine biodiversity, coral formations and underwater ecosystems up close before returning to the barge and subsequently back to the jetty.

Gatne further indicated that tourism operations are expected to commence after the monsoon season, likely from September onwards, subject to operational readiness over the next few months.

On the operational front, he noted that MTDC is currently exploring partnerships with specialised operators experienced in submarine tourism, barge operations and marine activity management. According to him, the government has already secured nearly two-thirds of the required capital investment, while the remaining portion is expected to come through a private operating partner. However, Gatne mentioned that initially, the Maharashtra government may operate the project independently during the first year.

Highlighting the environmental aspect of the initiative, Gatne explained that the submerged warship is expected to gradually transform into a thriving natural marine habitat over time. He noted that within approximately one-and-a-half years, algae, marine organisms and biological growth will naturally cover the structure, helping create a vibrant reef ecosystem.

He further pointed out that natural reefs generally provide better ecological outcomes compared to artificial concrete reef structures attempted elsewhere. Since corals naturally grow on hard surfaces and rocky structures, the use of the decommissioned naval vessel is expected to support healthier marine biodiversity and long-term ecological sustainability in the region.

Gatne also highlighted that the environmentally responsible reuse of a retired Indian Navy warship pays tribute to India’s maritime legacy and naval heritage. The initiative is expected to help preserve and showcase the history of the Indian Navy for future generations. He emphasised the availability of nearby accommodation facilities, along with several upcoming hospitality projects expected to support tourist demand.
 

Industry stakeholders and travel trade leaders also welcomed the initiative, calling it a landmark step for India’s experiential and marine tourism sector.

Subhash Goyal, Chairman of STIC Travel Group and Chairman of Aviation & Tourism Committee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, praised the concept and highlighted its wider tourism potential, particularly for travellers visiting Goa and the Konkan region. “I must compliment Maharashtra Tourism. This is a fantastic idea and it can also be marketed from North Goa. The concept has been presented beautifully, and I assure Maharashtra Tourism of my fullest support,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, described the initiative as a strong example of the kind of innovative tourism products India needs to attract new-age travellers. He appreciated Maharashtra Tourism’s efforts in developing a man-made experiential attraction and stressed the importance of long-term operational planning and strategic marketing. Gosain further noted that the success of such tourism products depends significantly on sustained promotion, curated itineraries and strong visibility in both domestic and international markets.

Runeep Sangha, Executive Director, PATA India Chapter, also commended the initiative, noting that projects of this scale require significant coordination and vision. He appreciated MTDC’s efforts in working alongside the central government and stakeholders to bring the concept to life. Describing the project as a distinctive blend of adventure, heritage and immersive tourism, Sangha stated that the experience combines elements of an underwater museum, marine exploration and experiential travel into a single offering.

Inspired by internationally recognised wreck-diving attractions such as USS Oriskany in Florida, USA, and HMAS Swan in Australia, the initiative is expected to generate substantial economic opportunities for Sindhudurg district and the wider Konkan coastline by increasing domestic and international tourist arrivals. Local businesses, accommodation providers, transport operators, food services and tourism-linked enterprises are likely to benefit from the expected growth in visitor traffic.