Lothal - a dockyard
largest maritime museum in the world.
National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal
Cabinet approves development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat
Project to be completed in two phases
The cabinet also in-principle approves Phase 1B and Phase 2, as per master plan by raising funds from voluntary resources/ contributions and their execution after raising of the funds
Phase 1A to be completed at estimated cost of Rs.1,238.05 crore including Rs.209 crore from Major Ports, Rs.178.9 crore from M/o Defence (Indian Navy) and Rs.15 crore from M/o Culture
Construction of Light House Museum under Phase 1B at a cost of Rs. 266.11 crore will be funded by Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
NMHC will immensely help local communities, tourists and visitors, researchers and scholars, government bodies, educational institutions, cultural organisations, environment and Conservation groups, businesses
Project will create 15,000 direct employment and 7,000 indirect employment
A separate society will be set up, for development of future phases, to be governed by a Governing Council headed by Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, under Societies Registration Act, 1860 for implementation, development, management, and operation of NMHC at Lothal, Gujarat.
The phase 1A of the project is under implementation with more than 60% physical progress and is planned to be completed by 2025.
Background: As per the vision of the Prime Minister to showcase 4,500 years old maritime heritage of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway (MoPSW) is setting up a world class National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal.
Phase 1A will have 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 artefacts (INS Nishank, Sea Harrier war aircraft, UH3 helicopter etc.), replica model of Lothal township surrounded by open aquatic gallery. and jetty walkway.
Phase 1B will have NMHC museum with 8 more galleries, Light house museum which is planned to be world's tallest, Bagicha complex (with car parking facility for about 1500 cars, food hall, 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 resort 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).
International collaborations with more than 20 countries.
