VIZAG'S SUBMARINE MUSEUM ONE OF ITS KIND IN INDIA

Courtesy Yo-Vizag April 09
The Awesome Sub

Siva Prasad Dantu
The skyline at the Vizag shore is dominated by an awe inspiring
mammoth structure The Submarine Museum, 'Smritika'.
Located on the serene Rama Krishna Beach, this museum
started functioning in 2001 was converted from the mighty
1400 ton INS Kursura, a Russian built submarine. Only one
of these kinds in the Asian continent and the fourth such
museum in the entire world, this Submarine Museum standing
tall against the back drop of mighty waters of Bay of Bengal,
attracts many. As a museum, the beached Sub gives a rare
opportunity to visit, experience and learn about the forbidden
confines of a Naval Submarine, torpedo rooms, staff quarters,
the top secret sonar and radar installations and the submarine
control systems. It gives the visitor an understanding about
the trying and tough conditions under which the submariners
serve the nation.
INS Kursura had a glorious record of
serving the nation for 3 decades. It has
traversed 73500 nautical miles and clocked
over 3000 dived hours and participated
in all types of Naval Operations. It played
a vital role during the 1971 war and helped
the nation against the enemy attacks. The
Sub has a length of over 91 meters. Her
sheer size evokes awe and admiration.
Installing this decommissioned submarine on the RK Beach
itself was a daunting task and it took almost 18 months to
beach the submarine and convert it into a museum. The
Kursura Museum was thrown open to public on 24 Aug 2002.
The submarine displays its complete weapon package,
including the torpedoes. The VUDA entered into an
understanding with the Navy for maintenance of the museum
and it charges Rs. 25 per adult and Rs. 15 per child towards
entry fee. Till date, more than 15 Lakh people visited the
submarine museum since it was opened to the public in 2002.
More than 2 lakh visitors enter the submarine annually.
The Submarine Museum is open
from Tuesday to Saturdays from 2 Pm to 8.30 pm
Sundays: 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 8.30 pm
Monday is holiday for the museum.
Entry Ticket : Adults - Rs.25/- ; Children -Rs.15/-