Oldest Warship of India, INS Viraat may be Sold for Scrap
With thirty years of glorious service in the Indian Navy, the oldest warhorse of the country may be junked and sold for scrap. March 6 is the date of retirement for the 58 year old aircraft carrier, INS Viraat and the proposal to use the ship as a museum is yet to witness any finalisation.
Sources of Defense Ministry (MoD) stated that, the 27,800-tonne aircraft carrier may be scrapped, after it witnessed 27 years of operational service in the Royal British Navy before being inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987.
According to a source, converting INS Viraat in to a museum will cost around Rs 1000 crore which will include a berthing or final resting place, backed by a self-sustaining revenue model. Though, interest has been shown by the Andhra government but they are asking to reduce the cost by fifty percent, the source added.
In turn, the MoD has stated that, it is ready to offer technical help and advice but will not be able to provide major funding for the project.
In the farewell, the naval ensign, the Tricolour and commissioning pendant will be hauled down for the last time for INS Viraat and the farewell will be attended by Sunil Lanba, Navy chief Admiral along with several Indian officers and 20 British naval veterans. According to an Indian Navy officer, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones is expected to be at the farewell ceremony.
The Indian Navy has been supporting and maintaining the carrier for more than 17 years and is very keen to preserve the heritage of INS Viraat. However, proposals that came from government authorities and private sectors were not able to meet the requirements. A retired carrier blocks a premier berthing facility and also requires constant support which is why scrapping may be the only option left if no fruitful proposal comes.
A nostalgic veteran said, “It was an incredible warship, with deadly construction, simplicity of design and robust machinery. It did well for the country.”
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