India’s First Underwater Museum to Be Built Around INS Guldar in Maharashtra

India is developing its first underwater museum and artificial coral reef near Nivati Rocks, Sindhudurg, by submerging the decommissioned naval ship INS Guldar.
Backed by ₹46.91 crore from the Union Tourism Ministry, the initiative will enhance marine biodiversity, promote eco-tourism, and provide attractions like scuba diving.
The project is being led by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, aiming to blend naval heritage with marine conservation in line with the country’s Blue Economy and sustainable tourism goals.

It aims to promote marine conservation and tourism, offering activities like scuba diving and submarine tours in the future. INS Guldar, a 1,120-ton ship decommissioned in January 2024, has been handed over to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.