Heritage complex at Lothal will be a crucial step towards making India a leading maritime nation: Union Minister Sonowal

Sonowal’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing the NMHC in Lothal under the Sagarmala Programme.

“We are committed to ensuring that the NMHC is completed on time and to the highest standards. This project will boost tourism, provide a platform for maritime education, and foster collaboration between India’s maritime community and the global industry. It is a crucial step toward making India a leading maritime nation,” Sonowal was quoted as saying in a release.

Further highlighting the socio-economic impact of the project, Sonowal said, “This project will create employment, foster skill development, and empower the youth of Gujarat. The NMHC is a project of national importance, offering tremendous opportunities for growth and learning in the maritime sector. The visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has ensured that India remains on course towards all-round development and that the people reap the fruits of the country’s development story.”

The ministers toured key project landmarks, including INS Nishank, the Lothal Jetty Walkway, and the Museum Block. (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)

Sharing details of the project, TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, said that the architectural conceptualisation of the project is very ambitious. He said, “Work on phase one A, which has six galleries, is underway; 65 per cent of this work is complete. Phase one B will have eight galleries, a total of 14 galleries. And then we have a phase two in which we have conceptualisation of Lothal city as it existed then (during the Harappa civilization). Each of the coastal states and union territories in the country will have a pavilion in this complex to present their own maritime heritage.” This world-class facility will showcase India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times, adopting an innovative “edutainment” approach using cutting-edge technology to spread awareness and attract international tourists, according to a release.

There will be a research institute, which will look at the research that is required to take our maritime heritage forward, it added.

“The heritage complex, which is being built in Lothal, is based on the vision of the prime minister about the depiction of the rich cultural heritage, maritime heritage of the Harappan civilisation, as well as of India. Besides maritime heritage, the complex will look at other facets that trade has enabled over the centuries… The idea is to generate a movement,” Ramachandran said.

The ministers toured key project landmarks, including INS Nishank, the Lothal Jetty Walkway, and the Museum Block. They also interacted with on-site workers to understand their challenges and progress. Sonowal expressed satisfaction with the significant milestones achieved in civil infrastructure development, noting that the project is advancing on schedule. As per the authorities, the key focus of the review was the integration of local communities into the project’s development.

Throwing light on the 5D dome theatre, which is coming up in phase one B, Carl Wadia, principal designer at Hafeez Contractor firm, said, “It will be an approximately 200-seater venue and host 15 to 30-minute animated experiences…” Hafeez Contractor firm is the consultant architect of the project. A climate change park on PPP (public private partnership) model will also come up at the site. Lothal, a prominent city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, dating back to 2400 BCE, holds historical significance for its advanced dockyard, thriving trade, and bead-making industry.