Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday chaired the second Governing Council meeting of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Society, reviewing the progress of the ambitious maritime heritage project being developed at Lothal in Gujarat.
The meeting was informed that Phase 1A of the NMHC has achieved around 82 per cent physical progress, with the revised completion target set for October 31, 2026.
Sonowal described NMHC as one of the most significant cultural and maritime initiatives undertaken by the Government of India and said the project seeks to establish Lothal as a globally recognised centre for maritime heritage, knowledge, education and tourism.
“NMHC at Lothal is one of the most significant cultural and maritime initiatives undertaken by the Government of India,” Sonowal said, recalling the vision and direction set by the Governing Council during its first meeting in June 2025.
13 countries sign MoUs for collaboration
The Minister highlighted the growing international interest in the project, with 13 countries having already signed MoUs for collaboration with NMHC. These include Portugal, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, the Netherlands, Denmark, Oman, Israel, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Italy, New Zealand and Singapore.
Discussions are also underway with several other countries, with the project aiming to build a pipeline of more than 35 international partnerships.
Sonowal said these collaborations will facilitate the exchange of artefacts, replicas and ship models, besides promoting research partnerships and cultural engagement. He said the initiative would also strengthen India’s maritime diplomacy.
The NMHC Society has also completed key statutory registrations, including income tax exemption, CSR and Darpan registrations, strengthening its institutional framework and enabling future resource mobilisation.
Minister asks agencies to expedite construction
Reviewing the construction progress, Sonowal directed implementing agencies to maintain strict supervision and adhere to the October 31 completion target.
The Council was informed that components including Galleries 4 and 6, Lothal Town and Aquatic Theming are among the works yet to be completed.
The Minister also took note of 1,492 artefacts that have been readied for installation and called for expedited approvals so that the exhibits can be commissioned in time for visitor operations.
Phase 1B and Phase 2 to expand the complex
The Governing Council also reviewed plans for subsequent phases of the project.
Phase 1B and Phase 2 are proposed to include additional galleries, a 5D Dome Theatre, Coastal States Pavilion, a Lighthouse Museum, a Maritime Research Institute (MRI), a Museotel and an Eco Resort.
The Lighthouse Museum is being planned in collaboration with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) and has the potential to become the world’s tallest lighthouse museum.
The Maritime Research Institute is being developed in collaboration with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) and is intended to strengthen research and academic engagement around India’s maritime heritage.
Connectivity and Lothal excavation reviewed
The Council also reviewed the progress of external infrastructure supporting the NMHC project.
The Dholera Expressway has been completed, while a plan for the high-speed rail corridor has been finalised. Excavation work at Lothal by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reached around 70 per cent.
The Government of Gujarat is also supporting the project through connectivity, power, water supply and visitor amenities.
The Governing Council approved the proposed NMHC Bye-laws, providing a governance framework for the Society’s transition into a fully operational institution.
Sonowal credits PM Modi’s vision
Sonowal attributed the momentum behind the project to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the government was seeking to revive and showcase India’s maritime civilisation spanning more than five millennia.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are not just building a museum at Lothal, we are reviving five thousand years of India’s maritime civilisation and presenting it to the world,” he said.
The Minister thanked the NMHC team, Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), Government of Gujarat, Indian Navy, IMU, major ports and partner ministries for their contributions.
He expressed confidence that continued coordination and implementation would enable the National Maritime Heritage Complex to emerge as a global landmark celebrating India’s maritime legacy as well as its future aspirations.
