naval-chief-adm-tripathi-visits-lothal-maritime-heritage-complex

Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, on September 3, 2025.

 

His programme included a detailed tour of the complex, an inspection of naval exhibits and heritage artefacts, a review of construction progress, interaction with project stakeholders, and a visit to the Varuna Naval Complex.

 

The Chief of the Naval Staff also toured the historic archaeological site at Lothal, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s connection to India’s maritime legacy.

 

The NMHC at Lothal is a landmark initiative being developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, supported by the Government of Gujarat with contributions from the Indian Navy.

 

Spread across 400 acres, it is set to become one of the largest maritime museums in the world. The project seeks to showcase India’s centuries-old seafaring tradition and the evolution of its Navy, featuring immersive galleries including one dedicated to the growth of the Indian Navy.

 

 

During his visit, Adm Tripathi undertook a walkthrough of major naval displays. These included the warship Nishank, the IL-38 SD Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, naval helicopters such as the UH-3H, the Sea Harrier fighter aircraft, and a wide array of naval artefacts.

 

The exhibits feature AK-176 GM, 4.5-inch GM, ZIF 101 SAM Launcher, missile models including P-21 and BrahMos, engine models such as ICE and GT, the Underwater Chariot, and the Sea Eagle missile system.

 

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The Chief of the Naval Staff was briefed on the project by RAdm Sathish Vasudev, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area, and Cdr Ranjot Singh, Officer-in-Charge, NMHC Lothal. They informed him that Phase 1A of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

 

He also visited the newly constructed Varuna Naval Complex, built by the Indian Navy as an administrative and residential hub for personnel deployed at the NMHC site. The complex will house naval teams tasked with monitoring project progress and maintaining naval artefacts.

 

 

Adm Tripathi interacted with senior officials involved in the project, including Commodore Doraibabu, Deputy Director of the Maritime Heritage Society (MHS), and representatives of Indian Ports Rail and Ropeways Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and Tata Projects Limited.

 

Describing the NMHC as a “living testimony to India’s maritime past, present, and future”, he commended the synergy among stakeholders, praised their work, and urged them to sustain momentum.

 

The Chief of the Naval Staff further toured the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site at Lothal, famous for its ancient dockyard, bead workshops, and maritime trade networks with Mesopotamia and Egypt nearly 4,000 years ago. He emphasised that Lothal’s enduring maritime heritage continues to inspire the Indian Navy’s vision for the 21st century.