National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

Oct. 10, 2024

The Union Cabinet recently approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat.

About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):

  • Under the Sagarmala programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is developing the NMHC, a world-class facility at Lothal, Gujarat. 
  • NMHC is set to become an international tourist destination, showcasing India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times through an edutainment approach utilizing the latest technology.
  • The project will be completed in phases:
    • Phase 1A will have an NMHC museum with 6 galleries, which also includes an Indian Navy & Coast Guard gallery envisaged to be one of the largest in the country with external naval artifacts, a replica model of Lothal township surrounded by an open aquatic gallery, and a jetty walkway.
    • Phase 1B will have NMHC museum with 8 more galleries, Light house museum which is planned to be the world’s tallest, Bagicha complex (with a car parking facility for about 1500 cars, a food hall, a medical centre, etc.).
    • Phase 2 will have Coastal States Pavilions (to be developed by respective coastal states and union territories), Hospitality Zone (with maritime theme eco resorts and museuotels), Recreation of real-time Lothal City, Maritime Institute and hostel and 4 theme-based parks (Maritime & Naval Theme Park, Climate Change Theme Park, Monuments Park, and Adventure & Amusement Park). 
  • Phases 1A and 1B of the project are to be developed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and Phase 2 of the project will be developed through land subleasing/ PPP to establish NMHC as a world-class heritage museum. 
  • A separate society will be set up for the development of future phases, to be governed by a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Societies Registration Act, 186
    • This society will manage the implementation and operation of the NMHC.