INS Viraat to be a Star Hotel

Andhra Pradesh government seem to have taken a decision on the future of INS Viraat. The aircraft carrier will be converted to a museum cum hotel. Earlier it is estimated that the project will cost 700 Crore. Since the cash strapped state could not afford such huge amount, the future of INS Viraat is doubted.

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Earlier the state government planned to seek financial assistance from the Navy and the latter can be a joint partner with the state government. But the proposal is now dropped. The Chief Minister had decided that the project will be executed in Public Private Partnership model and the officials are drawing a DPR for that.

INS Virat will be kept 500 meters away from the coastline. Tourism activities like sea sports, yachting, sailing, gliding and cruising will also be made available on the warship. A fivestar luxury hotel with about 1,500 rooms is also part of the plan. Heli-tourism will also be encouraged.