Vikrant gets that8230; sinking feeling again

Five years after it was decommissioned, INS Vikrant is in danger again. There have been no takers to resurrect the ship, up for grabs since January 1997. The result: The underwater hull is rapidly rusting.

Neither the state nor private investors have come forward and officials say they may seek the Centre8217;s help 8212; a share of the National Defence Fund, which falls under the PM8217;s control and is used for purposes like natural calamities and soldiers welfare.

The ship8217;s heavy maintenance cost of over Rs 3 crore a year the Navy has asked for Rs 5 crore this year is a heavy burden.