INDIA. Mumbai: An MoU was signed to display decommissioned Indian Naval Fast Attack Craft T-80 as a memorial at Durgadi Sea Fort in Kalyan, in Thane district, about 58 kms from Mumbai, between the Indian Navy and Smart Kalyan Dombivli Corporation Ltd (SKDCL) on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed to display a warship as a memorial to commemorate the 365th anniversary of the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Indian Navy was represented at the event by officers of Headquarters, Maharashtra Naval Area, while SKDCL was represented by Prahlad Rode, CEO of SKDCL, and his team.
The “INFAC T-80” was decommissioned on October 7, 2021, at Headquarters, Western Naval Command, Mumbai, after rendering the yeoman service of 23 years. Built by M/s IAl Ramta in Israel, the vessel was commissioned on 24 June 24, 1998.
She was explicitly designed for shallow water operations and patrolled extensively to provide security to the Mumbai High Offshore Development Area and the coast of Maharashtra.
Even after her decommissioning, “T-80” will continue serving the country and inspire Indian youth to visit the Naval Museum at Durgadi Fort, Kalyan. The memorial will also showcase the state’s rich maritime history, especially the roles played in it by the Maratha Navy and Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy had previously erected the decommissioned warship “ex-Prabal” at Essel world at Gorai in North Mumbai. It now installs “ex-T-80” at Durgadi Fort, Kalyan, to spread sea consciousness amongst the local populace. The signing of the MoU reiterates the Indian Navy’s connection with the people and history of Maharashtra, an official statement read.
Durgadi Fort is built on a hill beside Kalyan creek. The fort came under Marathas when Shivaji Maharaj captured Kalyan and Bhiwandi from Adilshah on October 24, 1654.
He built the fort close to the creek and used it as a dock to build boats and ships. The city was well fortified and had 11 bastions and multiple entrances. The fort marked the initiation of the Maratha Navy.
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