As India’s first underwater museum and submarine tourism project rises off its coastline, the Sindhudurg region of Maharashtra—famous for its picturesque beaches and historic sea forts—is poised to become a prominent marine tourist destination. Officials announced Thursday that a massive project is under way in Sindhudurg, close to the Nivati Rock formations, around 500 km from Mumbai.

The initiative is anticipated to increase adventure and marine tourism in the Konkan region. As part of its inaugural underwater museum, artificial reef, and submarine tourism project, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced in a press release that it has successfully scuttled the decommissioned Indian Navy vessel Ex-INS Guldar off the coast of Sindhudurg. Coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) allowed for the installation of the warship on the seabed near Nivati Rock at a depth of approximately 22 meters on May 19, according to the announcement.

The site along the Konkan coast was chosen after scientific investigations by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography determined that there are no natural coral reefs and that the environmental impact will be limited, according to the official announcement. ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale,’ a project being developed under the Centre’s auspices, seeks to establish Maharashtra as a prominent site for marine and experiential tourism.

INS Guldar of the Indian Navy Takes the Centre Stage

Project funding of Rs 46.91 crore was authorised by the Union Government in November 2024, and in December 2025, amended administrative approval of Rs 112.46 crore was granted by the Maharashtra Government. The Indian Navy’s Ex-INS Guldar, a Landing Ship Tank (LST) warship of the Magar class, was decommissioned on January 12, 2024, after 39 years of service.

The amphibious assault ship, which left the Gdynia Shipyard in Poland on December 30, 1985, served in a variety of roles, including transporting troops, providing coastal protection, and participating in naval drills. The vessel was cleaned up environmentally before being scuttled, according to the official. The structure will now serve as an artificial reef, which will help with coral growth, marine biodiversity, and fishery resources. Project details include for speedboat excursions to Nivati Rock from the jetty, with barges carrying visitors to the location for activities including scuba diving and submarine rides.

The tourist effort will include a range of activities including guided wreck diving, advanced underwater photography, marine education, certified diver trips up to 30 meters, advanced scuba diving up to 18 meters, and discover scuba diving up to 12 meters.

Project to Become New Lifeline of the Region

Creating jobs and bolstering related industries including lodging, transportation, and food services, the project is anticipated to increase economic activity and tourism throughout the Konkan coastline and Sindhudurg region, according to the official. At the Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) in Tarkarli, Sindhudurg Collector Trupti Dhomase informed reporters that the initiative will change the face of marine tourism in India and promote sustainable development of natural resources.

Visitors interested in scuba diving, adventure tourism, and the ocean are anticipated to flock to the site once it is open. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to participate in guided underwater tours, underwater photography, and activities centred around marine biodiversity. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is building an underwater tourist attraction to entice people who don’t dive. The submarine project is currently underway and is expected to be operational in approximately 1.5 years.

Underwater Tourism-Innovation at its Best

Tourists may see the underwater warship and aquatic life in all its glory from the comfort of a submarine, eliminating the risk of drowning. According to MTDC managing director Nilesh Gatne, this would open up underwater tourism to a broader audience. The buried ships will be encircled by artificial coral reefs, according to officials, in an effort to boost marine biodiversity and provide a home for various aquatic creatures. They also mentioned that the structure has the potential to transform into a thriving underwater environment in the future.

The project’s environmental protections are being given top priority, according to the authorities. Research out of Goa’s National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has shown that the chosen location is devoid of any naturally occurring coral structures. Before the planned underwater deployment, officials declared that all hazardous and polluting goods were removed from the vessel.

More measures to save marine life include a 500-meter radius restriction on fishing and anchoring. The project’s proponents argue that it has the potential to train local youths for careers in the scuba diving, hospitality, photography, boating, and water sports industries. Experts in the tourism industry have predicted that Sindhudurg’s underwater museum and submarine rides will bring in a whole new set of visitors. The coastal district will join the ranks of other up-and-coming marine tourist spots throughout the world, according to the experts.

By Travel Heights Desk