(Commonwealth_ Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, accompanied by Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, conducted a comprehensive review of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) project at Lothal, Gujarat, on Saturday. The visit was aimed at assessing the progress of this ambitious project, which seeks to showcase India’s rich maritime heritage through a blend of education and entertainment.
The high-profile delegation toured key landmarks of the project, including INS Nishank, the Lothal Jetty Walkway, and the Museum Block. During their visit, the ministers also interacted with onsite workers to gain insights into the challenges and progress of the project. According to an official release, this interaction emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the project remains on schedule and meets its objectives.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is developing the NMHC project under the Sagarmala Programme. India’s maritime history, from ancient civilizations to modern times, is the focus of this initiative. Employing an innovative “edutainment” approach, the NMHC aims to combine education and entertainment, leveraging advanced technology to create an engaging experience for visitors. The project aspires to attract both domestic and international tourists, establishing India as a global hub for maritime heritage.
One of the most striking features of the NMHC is its location in Lothal, an ancient city of the Indus Valley Civilization that dates back to 2400 BCE. Lothal is historically significant for its advanced dockyard, which reflects the ingenuity of early maritime engineering. The city was a thriving center of trade, renowned for its bead-making industry and connections with various parts of the world. By situating the NMHC in Lothal, the project aims to connect India’s ancient maritime history with its contemporary aspirations in the global maritime sector.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project, highlighting the significant milestones achieved in civil infrastructure development. Sonowal reported that the NMHC project has completed 65 percent of Phase 1A, indicating significant progress in meeting its timeline. “The NMHC is advancing on schedule and will serve as a global beacon of India’s maritime heritage,” Sonowal stated. His remarks reflect the government’s confidence in the project’s ability to position India as a leader in preserving and promoting maritime history.
The NMHC’s innovative design incorporates state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive experience for visitors. The facility will include interactive exhibits, digital displays, and hands-on activities, making it an ideal destination for families, students, and history enthusiasts. By adopting this modern approach, the NMHC aims to appeal to a wide audience, including younger generations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of India’s maritime legacy.
Apart from its cultural significance, we expect the NMHC project to have a substantial economic impact. By drawing international tourists, it aims to boost the local economy, create employment opportunities, and enhance the global perception of India’s cultural heritage. The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of integrating heritage preservation with economic development, demonstrating how infrastructure projects can serve multiple objectives.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel underscored the significance of the NMHC in positioning Gujarat as a global hub for cultural tourism. “This project is not only a tribute to our maritime history but also a step toward securing a prosperous future for the local community,” Patel remarked. His comments underline the regional significance of the NMHC as a driver of economic and social development.
The joint review by the ministers underscores the government’s commitment to the NMHC as a flagship initiative under the Sagarmala Program. By preserving India’s maritime heritage and making it accessible to the world, the project represents a confluence of history, culture, and innovation. With continued progress, the NMHC is set to become a landmark destination, celebrating the legacy of Lothal and India’s enduring connection to the sea. As the project moves forward, it serves as a reminder of the rich maritime traditions that have shaped India’s history and its ongoing efforts to reclaim its place as a leader in the global maritime community.