The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

This initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, aims to celebrate and showcase India’s extensive maritime heritage.

Development of NMHC 

• To showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has envisioned the development of NHMC at Lothal near Ahmedabad.

• The NMHC is envisioned to be one of the largest maritime complexes in the world.

• NMHC will not only curate and present diverse & rich artifacts from ancient to modern times from across India but also inspire the public and make them aware of and learn about our glorious maritime heritage.

• With its multifaceted phases of development, the NMHC promises to be a world-class facility that not only showcases ancient artifacts and the legacy of maritime trade but also serves as a hub for education and tourism.

• The development of NMHC will boost growth and immensely help the local communities, tourists and visitors, researchers and scholars, government bodies, educational institutions, cultural organisations, environment and conservation groups, and businesses.

• The foundation stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019. 

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has appointed Indian Ports Association as the nodal agency, while Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) as executing agency of the project. 

• The master plan of NMHC has been prepared by renowned architecture firm Architect Hafeez Contractor and the construction of Phase 1A has been entrusted to Tata Projects Ltd.

• NMHC is planned to be developed in various phases, wherein Phase 1A will have an NMHC museum with six galleries, which also include an Indian Navy & Coast Guard gallery envisaged to be one of the largest in the country.

• Phase 2 will have coastal states’ pavilions, hospitality zone, recreation of real-time Lothal City, Maritime Institute and hostel and four theme-based parks. 

• Around 22,000 jobs are expected to be created in the development of the NMHC project, with 15,000 direct employment and 7,000 indirect employment.

Historical significance of Lothal

• Lothal, a name that combines the Gujarati words “Loth” and “thal,” meaning “the mound of the dead,” is rich in historical importance. This ancient city, dating back to 2400 BCE, grew into a bustling trading port within the Indus Valley Civilisation. 

• The archaeological excavations, carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from February 13, 1955, to May 19, 1960, aimed to uncover the remnants of this once-bustling metropolis.

• Archaeologists believe Lothal was strategically placed along a major river system that formed part of the old trade route linking Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat. The excavations at this site have unearthed an impressive array of artifacts, making it one of the richest archaeological finds in modern India.

• As a key player in the Indus Valley Civilisation, Lothal showcased features that highlighted its role as a maritime hub. Among the most significant discoveries is the world’s oldest known artificial dock, connected to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River. 

• The site also revealed an acropolis, a lower town, a bead factory, warehouses, and a well-designed drainage system, all of which underscore Lothal’s status as a vital trading city.

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