Maharashtra Govt Drafting Proposal To Acquire Ins Vikrant

The Maharashtra government is formulating a proposal to acquire the decommissioned `INS Vikrant', the first aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, to convert it into a maritime heritage museum as the state's tribute to 50 years of Indian independence.

The cost of setting up this unique museum is estimated at Rs 75 crore, official sources said. It is proposed to be stationed in south Mumbai.

INS Vikrant, which arrived in India as HMS Hercules, was commissioned on February 16, 1961 and hit the headlines following its war exploits in 1965 and 1971. India's naval aviation superiority over its neighbours was clearly established even as the country became the first in the Third World to acquire an aircraft carrier. Vikrant was decommissioned on January 31 this year.

 

It was thought in top circles in the Maharashtra government that it would be a pity to permit such a great warship to be sold as scrap. Chief minister Manohar Joshi, had earlier indicated that the state government would explore the possibility of acquiring the great warship. Mantralaya officials then began preparing a formal proposal, which is now ready.

Under the proposal, Vikrant shall continue to serve the nation as well as support itself. This can be achieved by turning its vast decks into a heli-taxi base.

Considering its flight deck area of 84,000 square feet and another nearly 40,000 square feet under its hangar, Vikrant can provide valuable space which is extremely scarce in Mumbai, the proposal has pointed out. Moreover, as a tourist attraction, Vikrant can also add to its revenue.

Various locations were examined to grout Vikrant on a permanent basis with a view to developing a museum aboard it. The proposal has said that the location off radio club was found to be most convenient for carrying out various works and for providing an easy access for the visiting public. Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade and Sassoon docks were not found to be convenient for variety of reasons.

Grouting is a maritime term which means stationing a ship at a permanent location. The ship is towed to the location during the highest tidal conditions in the year so that it gets embedded securely at the bottom. Later, a concrete cement enclosure is constructed around it to prevent it from floating.

For converting Vikrant into a museum, provision of electricity, water and drainage facilities would have to be undertaken. Other arrangements like air conditioning, fire fighting and communications equipment would also be required.

According to the proposal, the Union government would expect a payment of Rs 15 crore towards the cost of the ship. This calculation is based on the present rates of metal scrap and other accessories. If this amount is waived off by the Centre, the state government's proposal of a museum would be implemented at a lesser expenditure.

Vikrant's dry-docking would cost Rs 5 crore, its grouting would need Rs 30 crore while the repainting job would entail an expenditure of Rs 5 crore. Once these works are carried out the ship would have to be made habitable and installation of other equipment would follow. This work would take up nearly Rs 7 crore. The cost of using the ship as a heli-taxi base would be worked out at a later stage, sources said.

The proposal has suggested the setting up of an expert consultative committee to finalise the plan of converting Vikrant into a museum. It has also recommended forming a trust, to run the maritime museum, which would comprise nominees of the Union and the state governments and maritime experts.

According to various regulations, the state government would have to seek permission of the defence ministry and the Mumbai Port Trust to translate its proposal into a reality. Talks with these and other authorities would begin in the near future, sources said.

Mumbai is considered to be most appropriate place for such a museum since it is the birthplace of Indian naval activity.

The presence of the Gateway of India in the vicinity of the museum would add to its glory.