New Delhi: On the lines of the submarine expedition to the Titanic shipwreck in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gujarat government is set to foray into submarine tourism by signing an MoU with Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) to acquire a submarine. Unique underwater experiences in the pristine waters surrounding Bet Dwarka, a small island off the coast of present-day Dwarka and in the lost city of Dwarka submerged in the Arabian Sea. This place has great importance in Hindu mythology as it is believed that it was built by Lord Krishna.
The official announcement regarding the submarine tourism project is expected to be made during the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar from January 10 next year.
The collaborative effort between the Government of Gujarat and MDL aims to develop a submarine that will weigh approximately 35 tonnes and have a capacity of 30 passengers. This submarine will seat 24 passengers in two rows and every seat will have a window view, so that the natural beauty of the ocean at a depth of 300 feet can be easily seen.
MDL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjeev Singhal said that the MoU has been signed, but the construction of the submarine will start only after the final decision from the state government. “We have signed an MoU with the Gujarat government. We are still at the MOU stage and until something is finalized, we cannot proceed with the construction of the said submarine,” he said.
The mystery of Dwarka’s existence as a thriving city and its eventual submergence, has inspired numerous archaeological expeditions along the Indian coastline. These expeditions revealed submerged walls that were once part of a fortified city, pottery, sculptures and artefacts.
Dwarka remains a popular center of spiritual pilgrimage. The famous Dwarkadhish Temple of present-day Dwarka, also known as Jagat Mandir, stands as a major place of worship and historical site. Not only will the submarine tourism project reshape Gujarat’s tourism landscape, the state government’s initiative also has the potential to boost employment opportunities and attract investment in the sector.