Ambitious project recognised nationally for developing India’s first underwater museum, artificial reef and submarine tourism experience
Mumbai, October 2026: Maharashtra’s ambitious INS Guldar project, being developed by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) under the state Tourism Department, has received the prestigious The Week Heritage Award – Golden Banyan Award 2026 for its contribution to marine tourism in Sindhudurg district.
Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said the national recognition for the project, which is being developed as India’s first underwater museum, artificial reef and submarine tourism destination, was a matter of pride for Maharashtra. He congratulated MTDC on the achievement.
The award ceremony, organised by The Week magazine, was held at the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library in New Delhi on October 27, 2026. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented the award to MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne.
Sindhudurg District 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 Golden Banyan Award 2026 marked an important milestone in Maharashtra’s tourism development.
He said the recognition of Sindhudurg’s marine tourism under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar was a proud moment for the state.
The minister said the INS Guldar project went beyond conventional tourism by combining heritage conservation with modern and distinctive visitor experiences. It would give a new direction to Sindhudurg district’s tourism potential, he added.
Desai also congratulated the officers and employees who contributed to the project’s success.
Focus on quality and sustainable tourism
Tourism Secretary Sanjay Yadav said the Golden Banyan Award recognised Maharashtra’s innovative approach to tourism development.
He said the award was significant in encouraging initiatives that preserve maritime heritage, promote environmentally responsible tourism and offer visitors unique experiences.
Yadav added that the state government was working to develop high-quality, sustainable tourism projects capable of attracting international attention.
INS Guldar to boost local tourism businesses
MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne said the INS Guldar project was a distinctive initiative aimed at strengthening marine tourism in Sindhudurg.
He said the project would give the district a new identity while creating opportunities for local tourism businesses, accommodation providers, transport operators, tour guides and other supporting services.
Ex-INS Guldar: A unique underwater tourism destination
The project is being developed by MTDC under the Tourism Department of the Maharashtra government, in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The decommissioned Indian Navy warship has been deployed in the vicinity of Nivati Rock in Sindhudurg district.
The project is being developed under the Union Tourism Ministry’s scheme, Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment: Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.
The Centre has allocated ₹46.91 crore for the project, while the Maharashtra government has earmarked ₹112.46 crore.
Ex-INS Guldar, a Magar-class Landing Ship Tank warship of the Indian Navy, served the nation for 39 years before being decommissioned on January 12, 2024.
With the assistance of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the vessel was placed on the seabed near Nivati Rock, off the Sindhudurg coast, at a depth of approximately 22 metres on May 19, 2026.
The ship’s robust steel structure is expected to function as an artificial reef, supporting marine biodiversity, coral growth, fisheries resources and ecological balance.
Submarine experiences, scuba diving and marine research
Visitors will be able to travel by speedboat from a jetty to Nivati Rock and board a barge to access the underwater attraction. They will be able to explore the submerged vessel and observe marine life and coral formations through submarine and scuba-diving experiences.
The planned activities include:
Wreck diving and submarine experiences
Discover Scuba Diving at depths of up to 12 metres
Certified diver expeditions at depths of up to 18 metres
Advanced diving experiences at depths of up to 30 metres
Underwater photography and tourism
Marine education and research
Inspired by internationally recognised wreck-diving destinations such as the USS Oriskany in Florida, the United States, and HMAS Swan in Australia, the project aims to establish a distinctive underwater tourism destination in India.
Through its combination of maritime heritage, artificial reef development, underwater exploration and marine education, the INS Guldar project is expected to strengthen Sindhudurg’s position as a major destination for marine tourism.
