The Indian Navy's former flagship INS Viraat may soon find itself in a new avatar on Maharashtra's coastline, making it India's first decommissioned aircraft carrier to be converted into a maritime and adventure tourism destination.
On Thursday, the state cabinet approved a proposal to convert the INS Viraat, Indian navy's former flagship ship--which holds the distinction of being the world's longest-serving warship--into a museum on a PPP basis in an around Rs 852 crore project. It will be grouted around 7 nautical miles in the sea at Nivati rocks in Sindhudurg, where visitors will also be able to view the unique marine eco-system.
An official said the private partner would conserve the ship and use it for activities like a maritime museum, virtual galleries, cafeteria, marine bio-diversity centre, adventure sports like sailing and scuba-diving and training of merchant navy crew.
The private partner may also be able to develop it as a comprehensive tourism destination including a helipad, convention centre and luxury accommodation, which must confirm with "the dignity of the ship," he added.
The Indian Navy's first aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant was decommissioned in 1997 and its conversion to a full-time museum ship fell through due to reasons like funding. The Majestic-class aircraft carrier, which was used by both, the Royal and Indian Navies, was finally scrapped in 2014, leading to condemnation from former Navy personnel and enthusiasts.
Globally, around seven aircraft carriers have been converted to museum ships and exhibits or theme parks and luxury hotels including USS Hornet, USS Intrepid, USS Lexington, USS Midway, USS Yorktown (United States) and Minsk and Kiev (China).
Originally commissioned into the British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes in 1959, the ship saw action in the 1982 Falklands War. The Centaur-class aircraft carrier spent 27 years in the Royal Navy and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 12, 1987. It was decommissioned in 2017 and is docked in Mumbai's Naval dockyard.
"Any company (private party) will pick it up and try to convert it into a museum, convention centre, and for adventure sports," said Vikram Kumar, chief executive officer (CEO), Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
The state feels the location near Vengurla will serve as a magnet for domestic and international tourists considering its proximity to Goa and the Greenfield airport at nearby Parule- Chipi.
A former Indian Navy official said the conservation of the ship would lead to it being shifted away from the Mumbai docks, where it is taking up precious space meant for the Navy's vessels.
About INS Viraat
Part of India's rich maritime heritage, INS Viraat holds the world record of being the longest serving warship.
Under the Indian flag, the ship clocked over 22,622 flying hours and spent nearly 2,252 days at sea sailing across 5,88,287 nautical miles (10,94,215 KM).
Viraat played a major role in Operation Jupiter in 1989 during the Sri Lankan Peacekeeping operation, Op Parakram (2001-2002) and operational deployments and international joint exercises.
The ship was decommissioned on March 6, 2017
(Source: Indian Navy)
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