Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. Once completed, the project will be the world’s largest maritime museum, highlighting India’s rich seafaring traditions and serving as a hub for tourism, research, education, and skill development.
Sharing an update on social media, the Prime Minister said:
“Once completed, it will be the world’s largest maritime museum. It will showcase India’s ancient maritime traditions while serving as a hub for tourism, research, education and skill development.”
The project at **Lothal—an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization—**is expected to significantly boost cultural tourism in Gujarat and strengthen India’s global position in maritime studies and heritage conservation.
About the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
India, with its 7,520 km coastline, has a maritime history spanning over 4,500 years, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). Excavations at Lothal in 1957 uncovered the world’s earliest known dockyard, proving that the Harappans maintained thriving trade and cultural links with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and even Japan.
To preserve and showcase this legacy, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision, the complex will celebrate India’s maritime past while creating a world-class destination for tourism, education, and innovation.
The NMHC has been conceptualized with the following key objectives:
- World-class design highlighting India’s historic maritime legacy.
- Integration of past, present, and future maritime activities through a connected network of components.
- Sustainability-driven strategies that respond to the local environment.
- Edutainment through interactive exploration, offering playful yet meaningful ways to learn from exhibits.
- Educational opportunities encouraging visitors, especially students, to engage with and contribute to India’s maritime efforts.
