Maharashtra Launches India’s First Submarine Tourism Project

Maharashtra is making waves in tourism with an ambitious marine adventure— India’s first submarine tourism project. With an INR 112.46 crore budget and under the supervision of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), visitors will soon dive below the Arabian Sea to witness marine life, explore an underwater museum built around a decommissioned warship, and glide through the waters in a 24-seat passenger submarine.

An Outlook On Underwater Tourism: Current Developments

A first-ever submarine tourist project near Sindhudurg district on the Konkan coast has received updated approval from the Maharashtra government. Integrating controlled submarine rides, artificial reefs, and an underwater museum, the plan is to combine adventure tourism with ecological protection, potentially revolutionising coastal tourism in India.

Over time, the project's scope and ambition have expanded since it was first announced in the 2018–19 state budget. A revised budget of about INR 112.46 crore resulted from the proposal's later expansion to include improved safety requirements and world-class tourist experiences.

The project is being managed by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) with strategic endorsement from the central government. The development and operation of the 24-seater battery-powered passenger submarine will be handled by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL). The INR 84 crore in funding comes from combined state and federal sources, and MDL will raise an additional INR 26.58 crore through programmes such as Viability Gap Funding. 

Officials stress that this is an eco-friendly experience that meets international standards for underwater adventure tourism, not merely a tourist ride.

Inside The Maritime Attractions & Submarine

A 24-seater passenger submarine that runs on batteries for peaceful, eco-friendly dives under the Arabian Sea is at the centre of the experience. In order to view marine life, coral formations, and the artificial reef ecosystem that emerges around the sunken Indian Navy battleship INS Guldar, this vessel will transport tourists on guided underwater excursions. 

In January 2024, the 1,120-ton destroyer INS Guldar was decommissioned and given to MTDC for this use. It has been cleaned and is ready to be the focal point of an artificial reef site and underwater museum close to Nivati Rocks, thereby enhancing the attraction’s historical and environmental significance.

When Can Travellers Enter?

Officials anticipate operations to start soon, pending final safety clearances, infrastructural preparation, and tourist-service framework establishment. However, exact dates for the opening have not been disclosed yet. Authorities are hopeful that the first visitors may start making reservations in the upcoming months of 2026 because the project has already entered the implementation stages, and finance clearances are in place.

According to MTDC, the project is a phased approach that guarantees excitement and safety for families, adventurers, and foreign visitors alike.

Experience & Tickets

Booking packages and ticket prices have not yet been made public. Prices are anticipated to be positioned at a premium tier, equivalent to international underwater tourism offers, due to the premium nature of the experience, which includes submarine rides, access to the underwater museum, and guided interpretive tours. According to tourism officials, the initiative might be made available to both domestic and international tourists by introducing customisable packages.

Beyond the thrill element, this submarine tourism initiative signifies a strategic change in Maharashtra's tourism agenda, moving away from traditional beach and heritage sites and towards high-value, low-foot traffic immersive experiences that benefit local economies and marine conservation.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

1. Where is India’s first submarine tourism project located?
The project is located off the coast of Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, near Nivati Rocks in the Arabian Sea.

2. What will visitors experience in the submarine tourism project?
Travellers will enjoy battery-operated submarine rides, view marine life and coral reefs, and explore an underwater museum built around the decommissioned warship INS Guldar.

3. Who is developing Maharashtra’s submarine tourism project?
The project is being overseen by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) with technical execution by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.

4. When is the submarine tourism experience expected to open?
While an official opening date has not been announced, authorities indicate that bookings could begin sometime in 2026 after final safety clearances.

5. Will the submarine tourism project be eco-friendly?
Yes. Officials state the initiative follows international safety and environmental standards, using controlled dives, artificial reefs and battery-powered submarines to protect marine ecosystems.