Submarine Museum Vizag RK Beach: INS Kursura The First Submarine Museum in Asia
INS Kursura (S20) is a Soviet-built Foxtrot-class (Kalvari-class variant) diesel-electric submarine. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 December 1969 and decommissioned on 27 February 2001.
After decommissioning, INS Kursura was preserved and converted into a museum at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam on 27 February 2001. It remains the first submarine museum in Asia and the second worldwide. Visitors can walk through the submarine to experience the living quarters, control rooms, and weapon systems used by submariners.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Soviet Foxtrot (Kalvari-class variant) |
| Commissioned | 18 December 1969 |
| Arrived in India | 1970 |
| Decommissioned | 27 February 2001 |
| Museum Conversion | 27 February 2001, RK Beach, Visakhapatnam |
| Distinction | First submarine museum in Asia, second worldwide |
| War Role | Active in 1971 Indo-Pak war |
| Service Duration | 31 years |
Vizag Submarine Museum Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed / Holiday |
| Tuesday | 02:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 02:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
| Thursday | 02:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
| Friday | 02:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
| Saturday | 02:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm 02:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
Submarine Classification
- Type: Soviet Foxtrot-class (Kalvari-class variant)
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric
- Built by: Soviet Union (Russia)
Commissioning & Service
- Commissioned: 18 December 1969
- Arrived in India: 1970
- Service Duration: 31 years
- Decommissioned: 27 February 2001 at Visakhapatnam
Operational Role
INS Kursura played a vital role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, conducting patrol missions and strengthening India’s naval presence. It also participated in international naval fleet reviews and goodwill visits abroad.
