Lothal: At the historic Indus Valley civilisation region of Lothal in Gujarat, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is building the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC). A first of its kind complex in India, this centre will showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage. The foundation stone for the NMHC project was laid by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019.

The project is planned to be completed in different phases:

Phase 1A includes Part Museum building Complex with 5 galleries & a Naval gallery to be utilised by Indian Navy & Coast Guard and related land development in 35 acres. This phase is being developed under EPC mode at cost of Rs. 774.23 Cr.

Phase 1B consists of remaining Museum including balance galleries, Light House, 5D Dome Theatre, Bagicha Complex and other infrastructure. This phase is proposed to be developed under EPC mode.

Phase 2 will consist of States Pavilion, Lothal City, Maritime Institute including hostel, Eco resorts, Maritime & Naval Theme Park, Climate Change Theme Park, Monument Theme Park and Adventure & Amusement Park. Components under this phase shall be executed under PPP mode.

Union Minister MoPSW and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is one of the major project under Sagarmala scheme of MoPSW which has an edutainment approach. By using the latest technology maritime heritage will be projected in a user friendly manner to spread awareness among people. Total cost of the NMHC project including EPC and PPP mode is Rs. 3,500 Crores. The commissioning of NMHC Phase 1A is targeted to be completed by March 2024.”

Government of Gujarat is playing a vital role in this project. It is supporting the project by developing external infrastructure namely; by 4 laning of 11.58 km of road from SH1 to NMHC site via Gundi-Lothal-Saragwala village, by providing water supply connection to the site and by giving 66 kV power supply at NMHC.

Milestones of National Maritime Heritage Complex:

• 100% Earthwork completed (1.7 lakhs cu. m.)
• Boundary Fencing of 3200 m completed
• 1200 no of trees planted
• 304 piles erected
• Indian Port, Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), Mumbai has been nominated by the Ministry as the implementing agency for successful completion of the NMHC project.
• Renowned architecture firm M/s Hafeez Contractor (AHC) has been appointed as the principal management consultant (PMC) of the NMHC project. The Concept Design & Plan for following 5 Galleries of phase 1A has been prepared:

a) Gallery- 1 Orientation and oceanic mythology

b) Gallery-2 Harappans: The Pioneer Seafarers

c) Gallery- 3 Post Harappan Trajectories: The Impact of Climate change

d) Gallery- 4 India’s contact with the Greco-Roman world

e) Gallery- 5 Special exhibitions

• Work on concept design of gallery 6 (Emergence of Indian Navy) is in progress by AHC in consultation with the officials of Indian Navy and consolidated list of artefacts for the galleries submitted.
•  EPC contract for Construction, Testing and Commissioning of NMHC Phase 1A has been awarded to Tata Projects on 09th March, 2022 and is targeted to be completed by 6th March, 2024.
• Tendering process for Phase 1B and Phase 2 is under progress and is targeted to be completed by Dec, 2022.
• 25 acres additional land for staff quarters identified

The NMHC project is continuously monitored at top levels in the government and  also by Minister Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal through regular review meetings with the stakeholders and associated institutions ensuring successful implementation.

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