National Maritime Heritage Complex Progress Reviewed at Lothal

Lothal, Gujarat: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is advancing the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, under the Sagarmala programme. This ambitious project aims to become a world-class tourist destination, showcasing India’s rich maritime history from ancient to modern times through an edutainment approach using cutting-edge technology.

On July 11, 2024, the Joint Secretary of Sagarmala, MoPSW, chaired an onsite project progress review meeting at the NMHC site. The following day, an Executive Committee meeting was held at the State Guest House in Ahmedabad. Representatives from MoPSW, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and the Government of Gujarat attended these crucial meetings.

The Government of Gujarat has allocated 400 acres of land in Saragwala village for the NMHC and has been instrumental in developing the external infrastructure necessary for the project. This includes completing a 1.5 km road from Saragwala village to the NMHC site, laying 17 km of transmission lines, funding a 66 kV GIS substation, and providing Narmada water supply and storage tank facilities. Additionally, the state government has contributed Rs. 150 crores for developing basic internal infrastructure.

Phase 1A of the project has achieved approximately 55% physical progress, with all gallery tender packages awarded and tenders for Phase 1B expected to be awarded by July 2024. The tendering process for the remaining phases is ongoing. The NMHC will feature some of the world’s tallest lighthouse museums, the largest open aquatic gallery, and India’s grandest naval museum, positioning it as a significant international tourist destination.

Commenced in March 2022, the NMHC is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 4500 crores. It will include several innovative features, such as a Lothal mini recreation replicating Harappan architecture and lifestyle, four theme parks (Memorial, Maritime and Navy, Climate, and Adventure and Amusement), and fourteen galleries highlighting India’s maritime heritage from the Harappan era to the present day. Additionally, a Coastal States pavilion will display the diverse maritime heritage of India’s states and Union Territories.