28 October,2026 06:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The project draws inspiration from international wreck-diving destinations such as the USS Oriskany in Florida. Pic/ Special Arrangement
Maharashtra's marine tourism sector has received national recognition, with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation's (MTDC) INS Guldar project in Sindhudurg district winning the prestigious The Week Heritage Award - Golden Banyan Award 2026.
Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai described the honour as a matter of pride for the state. The project aims to establish India's first underwater museum, artificial reef and submarine tourism destination.
The award was presented by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a ceremony organised by The Week magazine at the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library in New Delhi on October 27. MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne received the award.
Sindhudurg Collector Trupti Dhodmise, MTDC Regional Officer Deepak Mane, Superintending Engineer Sanjay Patil, Aquatic Tourism Senior Manager Kshipra Bora and Chief Accounts Officer Jitendra Sonawane were among those present.
Desai said the award marked an important milestone in Maharashtra's tourism development. He credited the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar for the state's tourism initiatives.
He said the INS Guldar project combines conventional tourism with new experiences and could open up fresh opportunities for Sindhudurg. The minister also congratulated the officers and employees involved in its development.
Tourism Secretary Sanjay Yadav said the award recognised Maharashtra's efforts to develop innovative tourism projects that preserve marine heritage while promoting environmentally sustainable tourism.
He added that the state was working to develop high-quality tourism destinations capable of attracting visitors and gaining recognition internationally.
MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne said the former Indian Navy vessel was being developed as a distinctive tourism attraction to strengthen Sindhudurg's marine tourism sector.
According to Gatne, the project is expected to give the district a new tourism identity and create opportunities for local businesses, including accommodation providers, transport operators, tourist guides and other service providers.
The project is being developed by MTDC under the Maharashtra Tourism Department in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The decommissioned naval vessel has been placed underwater near Nivati Rock off the Sindhudurg coast.
It is being developed under the Union Tourism Ministry's Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment: Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale scheme. The Centre has allocated Rs 46.91 crore for the project, while the Maharashtra government has provided Rs 112.46 crore.
The Magar-class landing ship tank served the Indian Navy for 39 years before being decommissioned on January 12, 2024. On May 19, 2026, it was placed on the seabed at a depth of approximately 22 metres near Nivati Rock, with assistance from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
Its steel structure is expected to function as an artificial reef, supporting marine biodiversity, coral growth, fishery resources and ecological balance.
Visitors will be able to travel to Nivati Rock by speedboat from a jetty and board a barge at the site. The submerged vessel and surrounding marine life are expected to be explored through submarine tours and scuba-diving experiences.
Planned activities include wreck diving, submarine tours, Discover Scuba Diving up to 12 metres, certified dives up to 18 metres, advanced diving experiences up to 30 metres, underwater photography, marine education and research.
The project draws inspiration from international wreck-diving destinations such as the USS Oriskany in Florida, the United States, and HMAS Swan in Australia. It is envisioned as an underwater museum and artificial reef tourism destination that could put Sindhudurg on the map for marine tourism.
