The Draft Colaba

By A Draft Colaba Correspondent

A model of the Indian Navy’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was dedicated to the city of Mumbai by the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari on 10 June 2022 in the presence of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, dignitaries from the government and other distinguished guests.

MAJESTIC: The ten-meter-long replica of INS Vikrant at Regal Circle in Colaba

The ten-meter-long model of the erstwhile Vikrant, made in-house at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, is located at a traffic island near Regal Circle in the city's historic Colaba area. The installation signifies the ships’ strong bond with the city of Mumbai where she was based during her entire commissioned service.

The dedication of the model is an affirmation of the strong maritime connect of Mumbai and equally rich maritime heritage of the State of Maharashtra. The model stands proud at the famous Regal Circle, shoulder to shoulder with the iconic Gateway of India monument and the Naval Dockyard.

DIGNITARIES: Hon'ble Governor Koshyari with FOC-in-C (West) VAdm Ajendra Bahadur Singh and other guests

An aircraft carrier of the Majestic Class, INS Vikrant was launched in September 1945 and formally inducted into the Indian Navy on 03 November 1961 at Mumbai. The ship participated in numerous campaigns and exercise, notably the operations for Liberation of Goa in December 1961 and the Indo-Pak War in 1971. Post serving the nation for 36 years, the ship was decommissioned in January 1997 and remained as a floating museum ship in Mumbai till 2012.

'Old ships never die, they fade away to be resurrected in another avatar'. In keeping with this age old saying Vikrant is set to be reborn as the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, designed by the Indian Navy and being built by M/s Cochin Ship Yard Ltd. The ship is presently undergoing sea trials and will soon be commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Vikrant.

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