Maritime museum soon at Mamallapuram

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A submarine is all set to be stationed on a special platform just off the Mamallapuram beach and its famous shore temple as a tourist attraction. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the state government will establish the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum at Mamallapuram through Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) with the decommissioned submarine INS Vagli provided by the Indian Navy.

The TTDC’s 30-acre land adjoining the beach near the World Heritage site of the shore temple will be used for setting up the museum. According to sources, chief minister J. Jayalalithaa has given her consent to establish the maritime heritage museum with all facilities. It will be installed on a specially erected platform.

TTDC, the nodal agency for implementing this project, will soon invite Expressions of Intent (EOI) to set up the museum in a phased manner on BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) basis.

After transferring from Visakhapatnam, the submarine will be berthed in the Chennai harbour temporarily and later shifted to the museum site. Appropriate studies including marine survey, selection of vantage point, beaching of the submarine, hauling her ashore and installation on a specially prepared foundation, etc., will be taken up shortly.

Accepting the proposal from the Indian Navy, the state government conveyed its willingness to transfer the de-commissioned vessel to the site.

Submarine INS Vagli, belonging to Ex-Vela Class will be the centre of attraction but will undergo certain modifications like air-conditioning, ventilation, power, mannequins and other display items, audio-visual studio, etc., to showcase its importance highlighting the maritime prowess and to inspire the students to pursue maritime courses.

Aquarium and food courts will also be established.