The scenic Mumbai-Goa highway, famed for its sun, surf, and coastal vistas, is poised to offer a groundbreaking new attraction—a journey beneath the waves of the Arabian Sea. In a significant boost for experiential tourism, the Maharashtra government has granted revised administrative approval for a first-of-its-kind underwater tourism project in Sindhudurg, promising to transform the Konkan coastline into a global marine destination.
A Deep Dive into the Project's Vision and Funding
Officially titled the EX-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef and Submarine Tourism project, this ambitious initiative received a revised administrative approval of ₹112.46 crore. The project was first announced in the 2018-19 state budget and initially sanctioned at ₹65.55 crore. The substantial cost revision accounts for enhanced submarine safety standards and the project's expanded potential to meet international benchmarks for underwater experiences.
The funding is a consolidated outlay combining state funds and central support. In November 2024, the Union government's expenditure department approved ₹46.91 crore under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment, specifically for the 'Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale' programme. Of this, 66% was allocated to the state, with ₹30.96 crore released to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). An earlier allocation of ₹25 crore under the Regional Tourism Development Scheme brings the total revised project cost to the current figure.
Key Components: From Warship to Wonder
The project's centrepiece is the decommissioned naval vessel, INS Guldar, which will be deliberately sunk to serve a dual purpose. It will form the structure for an underwater museum and act as an artificial coral reef, aimed at boosting local marine biodiversity and supporting diving activities.
To give tourists a controlled, eco-sensitive view of this new ecosystem, the project will feature battery-operated passenger submarine rides. In a parallel development, the government has also cleared a separate proposal for a 24-seater passenger submarine to be developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) at a total permissible cost of ₹110.58 crore. Funding for this submarine includes ₹84 crore from central and state support, with MDL mobilising the remaining ₹26.58 crore.
Additional infrastructure, estimated at ₹18.30 crore, will be funded separately, for which MTDC must submit a proposal. Officials have clarified that all previously released funds will be strictly used for their approved project components.
Positioning Sindhudurg on the Global Tourism Map
This project marks a strategic pivot for Maharashtra's tourism strategy, shifting focus towards high-value, low-footfall experiential tourism. By leveraging its long coastline, the state aims to create destination experiences that can rival popular underwater attractions in Southeast Asia and Europe.
Tourism officials believe the operational project will attract domestic and international travellers looking for more than just beaches and forts. It promises a rare, front-row view of marine life, placing Sindhudurg firmly on the global marine tourism map. The initiative blends engineering ambition with sustainable tourism, offering a unique way to explore the depths of the Arabian Sea while fostering environmental conservation through artificial reef creation.
