India is set to construct the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at the ancient Indus Valley Civilization port town of Lothal in Gujarat. Envisioned as the world’s largest maritime museum complex, the project aims to showcase and celebrate India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage spanning over 5,000 years.
| Location | Lothal, near Ahmedabad district, Gujarat |
| Name | National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately ₹4,500 crore |
| Area | Around 400 acres |
| Historical Anchor | Built near Lothal, site of the world’s earliest known man-made dockyard from the Harappan era. |
The massive complex is being developed under the Government of India’s Sagarmala Programme and is set to feature a unique blend of education, entertainment, and tourism:
- World-Class Museum: The central feature will be the National Maritime Heritage Museum, planned with 14 galleries that will chronologically trace India’s maritime journey from the Harappan civilization to the present day.
- Naval Gallery: A dedicated gallery, being developed in collaboration with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, will display historical naval artifacts, including the decommissioned warship INS Nishank, a Sea Harrier aircraft, and a UH3 helicopter.
- Lothal Recreation: A ‘Lothal Mini Recreation’ will be created, featuring a detailed reconstruction of the Harappan town’s architecture and lifestyle, offering visitors an immersive historical experience.
- Theme Parks and Attractions: The NMHC will include four theme parks (Maritime & Naval, Climate Change, Monuments, and Adventure & Amusement), a Lighthouse Museum (planned to be the world’s tallest), an under-water marine museum (Asia’s biggest), and an open aquatic gallery surrounding the replica Lothal town.
- Academic Hub: A Maritime University and a research institute are also planned within the complex to promote specialised education and research in maritime studies.
The project is being constructed in multiple phases. Phase 1A is currently underway, focusing on the main museum building and its initial six galleries, including the Naval gallery. The first phase is expected to be complete and open to the public in 2025. The NMHC aims to become a significant global tourist destination, bolstering the local economy and establishing India as a leader in preserving global maritime history.
