INS Viraat to be dismantled at Alang coast in Gujarat

INS Viraat has reached the Alang coast in Gujarat for dismantling, according to the statement given by an official on Tuesday.

The aircraft carrier, which has been the world’s longest serving warship started its last journey from Naval dockyard in Mumbai on Saturday and arrived at the Alang Coast in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat on Monday evening.

The ship was decommissioned by Indian Navy three years ago, will be dismantled completely at the ship-breaking yard and then subjected to sale as scrap.

Shree Ram Group had purchased the aircraft carrier at an auction in the month of July at an estimated cost of Rs. 38.54 crore. The auction followed as a result of the joint decision between the Central Government and the Indian Navy.

Chairman of Shree Ram Group, Mr. Mukesh Patel said, “ All the formalities are completed, subject to weather conditions and tide, we are scheduling its beaching at our yard for dismantling during high tide at 1 pm on September 28.”

INS Viraat is the second aircraft carrier to be dismantled after INS Vikrant was broken down in 2014.