Alappuzha: Adding a feather to the cap of Kerala's tourism, the Indian Navy Fast Attack Craft-T 81 will rest permanently at the Port museum in Alappuzha very soon. T-81 which used to be the prized possession of the Indian Navy was decommissioned in January 2020 after 20-year long service. The museum in Alapuzha is being set up as part of the Alappuzha heritage project.
This high-performance war-craft after decommissioning was brought from Mumbai to Kochi and then to Cherthala. It would be taken to Thaneermukkam in Alappuzha in a 106-wheeled Volvo super-truck by road.
The engine and major operational parts of the craft were removed before transportation. It was towed to Cherthala from Kochi and now would be taken to Thaneermukkam by road. A huge crane was used to pull the ship out of the water to the truck under the guidance of Kerala State Electricity Board, Public Works Department, Police, and Transport departments. The tree branches on the sides of the National Highway leading to Thaneermukkam have been cleared for smooth transport of the vessel.
The Indian Navy Fast Attack Craft - T 81 was manufactured with the help of an Israeli company at Goa Shipyard and was commissioned in June 1999. This craft was capable of enemy surveillance both day and night and was super fast to react. It is 25 meters long and weighs over 60 tonnes.
Noushad Padiyath, managing director of Muziris Heritage Project said the Alappuzha heritage project is aimed to bring a super leap in the tourism sector in Alappuzha. The project is meant to take tourism beyond houseboat tours in Alappuzha through sustainable development of the sector that ensures the protection of the native culture and heritage.
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