INS Viraat to become museum after decommissioning in 2016

Mangaluru: Mangaluru is in race for the INS Viraat which after decommissioning in 2016, will be converted into an aircraft carrier museum.

INS Viraat is the world’s oldest active aircraft carrier and was commissioned in the Indian Navy on May 2, 1987. It was commissioned in the Royal Navy in 1959 and transferred to India in 1987.

Various states are trying to get this museum and Mangaluru in Karnataka too is in the race.

In his confidential letter, Flag Officer Commanding of Karnataka Naval Area Rear Admiral S.N. Ghormade had asked Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee to examine a suitable grouting/birthing place accessible to the local populace at Mangaluru.

The letter also asked the chief secretary about the requisite financial support for conversion and maintenance, rough financial cost of the project, anticipated work package and proposal for display of suitable Indian Navy memorabilia.

In reply to this letter Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner A.B. Ibrahim has written a letter to the chief secretary to be forwarded to the rear admiral, expressing interest in having the project in the city. “Mangaluru is an ideal location on the west coast for this project and is well connected,” he told reporters while disclosing details of the letter written to the government. He said that about 10,000 sq metres would be needed for this ship museum.

“The coastline and the river bank of both Gurupur and Netravathi rivers will be an ideal location for the proposed aircraft carrier museum,” he said.

“It can be set up at the Bengre sand pit or near Sultan Battery. Even a floating one can be explored in the Netravathi River. If the museum is set up in Mangaluru, it will generate an interest in the defense forces and help increase the level of patriotism among youth,” he added.