Mumbai, February 8
The long-delayed project to turn India's first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant into a maritime museum has hit yet another hurdle with the Maharashtra Government scrapping the contract awarded to private construction company.

According to state government sources, the contract awarded to Ackruti City, a Mumbai-based construction company, was being scrapped and fresh tenders were likely to be invited shortly.

Last year, Ackruti City and Ambi Valley, promoted by the Sahara group of companies, were shortlisted for the project but the latter bowed out.

The Maharashtra Government had initiated measures to build the museum under a public-private partnership.

The Indian Museum Ship Vikrant, as the former aircraft carrier has been renamed, is grouted on Oyster Rock off South Mumbai. Work on constructing a road between Colaba in South Mumbai and Oyster Rock is in progress.

The private partner is expected to turn Vikrant into a maritime museum with a number of facilities like a convention centre and a mall to attract tourists.

Private players who had expressed interest in the museum had backed out after a number of restrictions were imposed by the authorities.

A proposal to include a high-end restaurant was shot down after objections to serving of liquor on board were raised. Later, the Navy objected to helicopter operations from Vikrant's flight deck citing security issues.

The Sahara group, which has interests in helicopter taxi services, was interested in using the museum ship for the venture till objections by the Navy put paid to its plans.

With the project returning to the drawing board, the government may consider approaching consultants to prepare fresh feasibility studies before inviting bids.