Alang based ship breaker purchases INS Virat for demolition

Bhavnagar: World’s one of the oldest aircraft career INS Virat which offered its services to Indian Navy for period as long as 30 years has been now sold to Alang(Gujarat) based ship breaker firm Shri Ram Shipping through online auction for its demolition.

The ship has been purchased for Rs. 26 crore plus 18% GST + 2.75% custom duty. The ship has been kept in Mumbai at present and will be pulled through tug to Alang after all clearances and procedures are concluded.

A 1959 make Virat was made for British Royal Navy. It was retired from service in Britain in 1987, after which Indian Navy had purchased it. The Indian Navy retired it on 6 March 2017.

It is this ship on which then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had enjoyed a vacation with family and friends on way to Lakshadweep

DeshGujarat