INS Vikrant replica ready to drop anchor in Colaba

Naval officers with Makarand Narwekar (third from left) and some locals at a meeting for the project

A replica of the warship INS Vikrant, the first aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, is ready to drop anchor at a traffic island near the Regal Cinema in Colaba.

While the work on a scaled down replica of the Vikrant is on, Colaba corporator Makarand Narwekar stated, "We are trying to finish the work by February and the installation will take place soon after. We will divulge more details as the installation date nears. One can sense the anticipation and excitement in the air, as this races to completion. The installation will be part of the Regal precinct beautification project. The replica will naturally be a scaled down version of the original, made from the pieces of the original warship. It should be evocative, speaking of the history of India's celebrated warrior of the seas. I think this will be a proud moment not just for the Colaba community, or the city but the country too."

Proud moments

"We can see the warship replica sailing into our horizon now," said local Harish Hathiramani. "Imagine the stirring moments when people pass by the replica. We also have a significant Navy presence in the area, so officers and sailors should be moved too, seeing this ship. If there is one word about what the project denotes, it is pride," he explained.

Ship shape: The island near Regal getting ready for the installation

Cynthia D'Mello, another local resident stated, "Let us just say this is a history lesson in the midst of busy, buzzing Mumbai. I was involved at the permissions stage, and the work started last year. This is surely one of the most looked forward to ambitious projects that we have here. We hope to also have a plaque with the history of the carrier, next to the replica. All in all, a "hey-I-have-goosebumps' experience."

Location spot on

Nandita Bedi of My Dream Colaba said, "This is apt in every way. First, the location is spot on, given the presence of the Indian Navy personnel in the vicinity. Secondly, this road is important and the replica is sure to catch the eye. Lastly, it is a tribute to the INS Vikrant. It will be a history lesson for youngsters who are very drawn to ships, aircraft and the like."

Maria Chico, of MDC stated, "The site for installation is being readied at a steady pace. We may have a selfie-spot somewhere near the replica, but that is not decided yet." For Bella Shah who was at the island on Monday, looking at the preparations wrapped up, "Right from permissions and then work which began last year, this has been a real joy and a challenge, with the COVID-19 situation calling for more patience and perseverance. We are looking at hopefully, a February inauguration, though there is no definite date. While the date may still be up in the air, one thing is certain, the inauguration will be grand even within COVID protocols. For when it is the INS Vikrant, can it be anything else?"

INS Vikrant

The Indian Navy Ship Vikrant was a Majestic-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. It was the first aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy and played a key role in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. It was decommissioned in 1997.