Maharashtra Launches First Submarine Tourism Off Sindhudurg with ex-INS Guldar, Advancing Sustainable Marine Tourism, Underwater Heritage and Regional Growth in India

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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May 24, 2026 05:33 GMT+5:30

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The state of Maharashtra is gearing up for India’s first ever integrated submarine tourism attraction on its coast of Sindhudurg by implementing eco-tourism principles into marine tourism. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has achieved one of its significant steps toward building India’s first underwater museum as well as artificial reef and eco-friendly submarine tourism attraction by sinking the decommissioned warship called ex-INS Guldar off Nivati Rocks.

The underwater attraction will include a Triton Deep View 24 tourist submarine which will be built in the USA with a capacity to take 24 tourists along with 2 crew members to depths up to 22 meters from the sea level. This will mark yet another milestone of sustainable tourism in India, as such an attraction will attract both local and international environmentally conscious tourists.

Sustainable Access and Interim Scuba Diving Experiences

While the submarine is under construction, tourists can explore the underwater shipwreck through guided scuba diving via the state’s scuba diving institute at Tarkarli, providing controlled, low-impact access to marine habitats up to 12 meters deep. Once operational, visitors will reach the site by high-speed passenger boats and transfer to the submarine for deeper exploration, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. This phased approach highlights the project’s commitment to sustainable marine tourism and responsible visitor management.

Ex-INS Guldar: Underwater Museum and Artificial Reef

The ex-INS Guldar, a Poland-built Kumbhir-class landing ship tank commissioned in 1985 and decommissioned in 2024, will serve as both an underwater heritage museum and an artificial reef. Scientific assessments conducted with the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) confirmed that the deployment will support marine biodiversity, creating habitats for fish, corals, and microorganisms over time.

The shipwreck and reef will allow for controlled, sustainable tourism, combining cultural heritage preservation, marine research, and educational opportunities. Visitors will gain insights into coastal ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism practices while experiencing adventure-based activities.

Promoting Regional Tourism and Hospitality Growth

The project is expected to generate significant tourism and hospitality sector impact along the Konkan coast, particularly in Sindhudurg district. Increased arrivals will stimulate demand for hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, local transport, diving operators, and adventure tourism services, while encouraging community participation and employment opportunities. By integrating environmental stewardship with tourism development, the initiative demonstrates how sustainable tourism can drive regional economic growth without compromising ecological integrity.

Comprehensive Marine Experiences

The submarine tourism initiative will be complemented by diverse marine experiences:

• Guided wreck diving up to 30 meters
• Introductory scuba sessions to 12 meters
• Certified diving to 18 meters
• Underwater photography and marine education programs

This multi-tiered experience targets a broad audience — from families and adventure enthusiasts to researchers and eco-tourists — encouraging extended stays, higher visitor spending, and repeat tourism, all while maintaining low environmental impact.

Government Investment and Sustainable Tourism Strategy

The project is supported under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale scheme, receiving ₹46.91 crore from the Centre in 2024 and ₹222.46 crore approval from Maharashtra in 2025. The Triton Deep View 24 submarine is valued at ₹112 crore, reflecting a strategic investment in high-value, sustainable tourism infrastructure.

This investment aligns with national and state objectives to diversify tourism beyond beaches and heritage circuits, positioning Maharashtra as a global marine tourism hub while promoting eco-conscious travel practices.

Future Outlook: Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development

Tourism officials anticipate the project will enhance long-term sustainable tourism growth along the Konkan coast by attracting both domestic and international visitors. By combining adventure tourism, marine conservation, and cultural heritage, the initiative will encourage:

• Higher hotel occupancy and hospitality spending
• Development of local tourism services including dive schools, guides, and transport operators
• Educational tourism with marine research and conservation programs
• Community-led sustainable tourism initiatives

The Sindhudurg submarine destination exemplifies a future-ready tourism model, where high-value travel, environmental sustainability, and economic growth intersect. By integrating marine ecology, heritage preservation, and responsible adventure tourism, Maharashtra is setting a benchmark for eco-conscious tourism development in India.

Sustainable Tourism Growth in Maharashtra

In fact, The Geopark Run Series and the Triton Deep View 24 submersible tourism project are the most important steps that have been made in terms of ensuring sustainability of the tourism industry in the state of Maharashtra. It is important to mention that due to such a project being implemented, the Sindhudurg coast will definitely become a worldwide destination for sustainable marine tourism.