Maharashtra government to consult Centre over INS Vikrant museum

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Government will consult the Centre before giving the contract for Navy's maritime museum on ship INS Vikrant.

The Government has sanctioned Rs 60 crore for transforming INS Vikrant into a museum. But the requirement is of Rs 240 crore.

INS Vikrant, which has fought several wars, was handed over to the State Government in 1990s. But now it has become difficult for authorities to maintain it.

As per the presentation, there is a proposal to set up a maritime museum on INS Vikrant along with a cafetaria and presentation shows for children. Also, its helipad can be used for commercial purposes.

"The Central Government will be consulted before taking any decision on giving INS Vikrant on built-operate-transfer (BoT) basis," said Chief Secretary Johny Joseph after making a presentation on the issue at Mantralaya yesterday.