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Vikrant to be docked at Oyster Rock

Swati Kulkarni in Bombay

The INS Vikrant, hero of the Bangladesh war, has finally found a resting place.

The Maharashtra government today said the aircraft carrier, soon to be turned into a maritime museum, would be docked at Oyster Rock, close to the Sassoon Dock.

With this, a prolonged struggle to find the Vikrant a home has come to an end. Oyster Rock, it's learnt, was the unanimous choice at a meeting today between Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhulbal, senior Naval and Mumbai Port Trust officials and representatives of fishermen's associations.

Speaking to newspersons after the meeting, Bhujbal said the Defence Ministry has been informed of the decision and has been asked to stop the process of auctioning the war ship.

Bhujbal said the government may have to spend another Rs 5 to 10 crore in preparing a permanent berth for the ship. The state has already paid the Indian Navy Rs 5 crore for the ship's upkeep and minor repairs.

ALSO SEE
Admiral J G Nadkarni on why the Vikrant should become a national monument

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