Union Cabinet Approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat

In a significant move to preserve and showcase India’s rich maritime heritage, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The project will unfold in two phases, and it aligns with the government’s broader vision to highlight the country’s ancient maritime prowess, which dates back over 4,500 years. The National Maritime Heritage Complex is set to be a world-class museum that will boost tourism, create jobs, and promote India’s cultural and maritime legacy.

Project Overview

The National Maritime Heritage Complex is designed to be a state-of-the-art museum that will reflect India’s rich maritime history, from ancient to modern times. Lothal, an ancient Harappan site known for its dockyards and maritime trade routes, serves as the perfect location for such a project. The complex aims to preserve India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage and bring it to a global audience.

The project has been divided into two major phases:

1. Phase 1A: Currently under construction with more than 60% physical progress.
2. Phase 1B and Phase 2: Recently approved by the Union Cabinet after mobilization of funds.

Phase-Wise Execution of NMHC

Phase 1A of the National Maritime Heritage Complex is already in progress, with more than 60% of the construction completed. This phase is expected to be completed by 2025 and is being developed through the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode. The master plan for NMHC has been crafted by the renowned architectural firm M/s Architect Hafeez Contractor, and Tata Projects Limited has been entrusted with the construction.

Phase 1B includes the construction of the lighthouse museum, which will be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL). In this phase, several elements like thematic exhibitions, research centers, and galleries related to maritime history will be developed. The Cabinet’s in-principle approval for this phase sets the project on track for further expansion after the mobilization of voluntary resources and contributions.

Phase 2, on the other hand, will focus on further development through land sublease or Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The goal is to establish NMHC as a world-class heritage museum that attracts global tourists, researchers, and maritime enthusiasts.

A separate society will be created under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which will be responsible for overseeing the implementation, development, management, and operation of the NMHC. This society will be governed by a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

The National Maritime Heritage Complex project is expected to be a significant source of employment. It is projected to create around 22,000 jobs, with 15,000 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs. These jobs will encompass various roles in construction, tourism, research, operations, and management of the complex.

By bringing in tourists, researchers, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe, the project aims to boost the local economy, particularly benefiting local communities, businesses, and academic institutions. The development of this heritage complex will also support environmental and conservation groups, making it a hub of economic and cultural activity in the region.

Vision and Heritage Preservation

This ambitious project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s larger vision to showcase India’s maritime legacy. The site at Lothal is significant because it was one of the world’s earliest known dockyards, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. With the establishment of the NMHC, India aims to highlight its role as a prominent maritime power throughout history, from ancient trade routes to modern naval strength.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is leading this initiative, which is expected to make India a global center for maritime research, conservation, and education.

Importance of Lothal as a Maritime Hub

Lothal, located in Gujarat, was a key maritime hub during the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its well-designed dockyard. The location was strategically important for trade and commerce, connecting India with other ancient civilizations through maritime routes. With the National Maritime Heritage Complex being developed here, the site will once again emerge as a key player in maritime studies and tourism.