Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually chair the project progress review at 4:00 pm, 18 October, 2022, of the National Maritime Heritage Complex to be built at Lothal, Gujarat. Lothal has the archaeological remains of one of the oldest civilization of the world, the Indus Valley Civilization.

Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel will attend the meeting from Lothal. He will be accompanied by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, Waterways and AYUSH; Dr.Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, Waterways and Tourism.

The foundation stone for National Maritime Heritage Complex was laid by the PM and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019. The complex, to be built at a cost of ₹3500 crore will showcase India’s rich maritime history from the Indus Valley Civilization to the contemporary times. It is to be noted here that an ancient port town was discovered, during its excavation between 1955 to 1960, at Lothal that dated back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

Government of Gujarat, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is on its toes to ensure a fast-paced completion by supporting the project through external infrastructure such as 4 laning of 11.58 km of road from SH1 to NMHC site, providing water supply and 66 KV power supply to NMHC.

The project will be completed in 2 phases. Phase 1-A will have Museum Building Complex with 5 galleries, and naval gallery and related land development in 35 acres. It will be developed at a cost of ₹774.23 crore under EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) mode. Phase 1-B will consist of balance galleries, light house, 5-D dome theatre, etc.

Phase-2 will consist of States Pavilion, Lothal City, Maritime Institute including hostel, eco resorts, Climate Change Theme Park, Monument Theme Park and Adventure & Amusement Park.

Lothal will be developed as a new international destination for tourists and will enter the league of famous global museums. To add, it will boost local economy and usher development in nearby villages.

DeshGujarat