Lucknow to House Naval Museum Honouring INS Gomati’s Journey!

Lucknow, known for its regal heritage and architectural grandeur, is now set to add another feather to its cap, a Naval Museum that will anchor the proud legacy of INS Gomati, one of India’s distinguished warships. The museum, coming up near the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, will be the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh, blending the state’s cultural identity with India’s naval history.

Occupying 15,800 square metres of land and being developed at an estimated cost of ₹23 crore, the museum will house relics and structural components from the decommissioned INS Gomati, which served the Indian Navy for 34 years. 

Visitors will be able to see artefacts like the ship’s anchor, propellers, guns, radar systems, control consoles, and nameplate, all of which tell the story of India’s maritime evolution and naval engineering prowess.

INS Gomati

Commissioned on 16 April 1988, INS Gomati was the third and final ship of the Godavari-class guided-missile frigates. It was designed and built indigenously, marking a significant milestone in India’s shipbuilding capabilities. The frigate was named after the Gomati River, which flows through Uttar Pradesh, creating a symbolic connection between the warship and the state that will now host its memory.

During its service, INS Gomati played an instrumental role in various national and international naval operations, including Operation Cactus, Operation Parakram, and multiple joint exercises with foreign navies. It was also known for its humanitarian assistance missions and disaster relief operations, reflecting the Navy’s motto of Service Before Self.

When the ship was decommissioned in May 2022, after more than three decades of service, several of its parts were carefully preserved for public display. The Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, proposed to establish a museum that would not only honour the ship’s contribution but also educate and inspire future generations about India’s maritime strength.

The upcoming Naval Museum in Lucknow is envisioned as a centre for learning, tourism, and national pride. Apart from the INS Gomati exhibits, the facility will feature interactive galleries, 3D simulations, multimedia presentations, and a naval heritage gallery to engage visitors of all ages. Plans also include a memorial wall, dedicated to naval heroes, and a section showcasing India’s shipbuilding evolution from the pre-independence era to modern-day warships.

Through this initiative, the story of INS Gomati, from the waves of the Arabian Sea to the plains of Uttar Pradesh will continue to inspire courage, patriotism, and a deep appreciation for India’s maritime legacy.

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