Surat: The work on the Dumas Sea Face Development Project is underway to allow both Surtis and visitors from outside the city to enjoy the site throughout the day. Currently, work under the first phase is in progress at Dumas, and as part of this phase, a large-scale replica of the Indian Navy’s warship INS Surat is to be installed near the marine-themed seafront on the Dumas shoreline. In the latest development, a proposal seeking in-principle approval for placing this 2,000 kg model, along with a budget of ₹30 lakh for building its foundation, has been submitted to the authorities.

The Indian Navy will provide the large-scale prototype of the warship Surat—named after the city—free of cost to the Surat Municipal Corporation. The replica of this guided missile destroyer, recently inducted into the Indian Navy, will be installed at a prominent location to ensure maximum visibility. Civil and electrical works will be carried out at the chosen site for installation. The foundation work alone is estimated to cost ₹30 lakh, while the entire project is expected to cost ₹166 crore.

How the model and its foundation will be constructed:

• Approximate dimensions of the prototype: 30 ft long x 10 ft wide

• The model will be made of steel and composite fiber.

• It will be placed on a steel base and enclosed in a glass cabinet.

• The model will weigh approximately 2,000 kilograms.

• The foundation will be designed to bear a load of approximately 5,000 kilograms.

• An electric room and an information board will also be constructed at the site.

• After placing the model, it will be secured from all sides with stainless steel fencing, and appropriate lighting and decorative lights will be installed for nighttime visibility.

• A ladder or platform will be provided for maintenance of the model, along with a 2-foot-wide pathway around it.

• The attraction will be developed in such a way that visitors can easily access the model after using the walkway.