Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a visit to Gujarat on September 20. During the visit, he will review the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in the Ahmedabad district, according to a release from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
He will also inspect the works completed so far and hold a detailed review meeting with officials regarding the ongoing projects at the site.
Lothal, once a prominent trading hub of the Indus Valley Civilisation, is a symbol of India’s maritime strength and prosperity. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is being developed at this historic site to showcase the nation’s rich maritime legacy.
The project embodies one of the ‘Panch Pran’ pledges made by Prime Minister Modi — the preservation of ancient heritage — which is now taking shape through the development of the NMHC, the release said.
To realise the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, NMHC will blend history, education, research, and entertainment. Lothal, which served as a thriving port and ship-repair centre five thousand years ago, will be revitalised, highlighting its maritime heritage.
Visitors will experience India’s remarkable legacy through state-of-the-art technology. By combining Gujarat’s ancient maritime traditions with modern innovations, the NMHC seeks to fulfil the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, the release added.
Built to international standards, NMHC will stand alongside the world’s finest museums. Beyond attracting visitors, the project is expected to boost the economy of the Bhal region of Gujarat, create thousands of jobs, and open new opportunities for the growth of cottage industries.
The Heritage Museum in Lothal is being built to enable every citizen to easily understand its history. Using cutting-edge technology, the project aims to recreate the grandeur of the Harappan era. Lothal, a key city of the Harappan civilisation, is renowned for housing the world’s oldest man-made dockyard.
The National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal will be a vital initiative to preserve this historical legacy while also advancing the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by positioning India as a global hub for maritime heritage tourism, research, and policy development.
The NMHC will feature the world’s tallest lighthouse museum, standing 77 metres high with an open gallery at 65 metres, offering panoramic views of the complex.
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A night-time light show will enhance its appeal. The complex will also include a floating restaurant, a 100-room tent city and resort, and electric car facilities for convenient travel across the site. Parking for 500 electric cars will be available, with a 66 kV substation already operational, according to the release.
Being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore, the NMHC has been allotted 375 acres of land by the state government. It will feature a Lothal Mini Recreation to bring Harappan architecture and lifestyle to life, along with four theme parks: the Memorial Theme Park, the Maritime and Navy Theme Park, the Climate Theme Park, and the Adventure and Amusement Theme Park.
The complex will also house 14 galleries showcasing India’s maritime history from Harappan times to the present day, as well as a Coastal States Pavilion highlighting the traditions of other states and union territories.
NMHC will serve not only as a tourist destination but also as a centre for learning. A Maritime University will be established within the complex, offering specialised maritime degrees and promoting student exchange programmes.
It will also include a dedicated research institute and the world’s largest underwater-themed open gallery. The museum is designed to guide visitors through India’s maritime journey, providing a truly world-class experience, the release added.
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