National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):

• Under the Sagarmala programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is developing the NMHC, a world-class facility at Lothal, Gujarat. 
• NMHC is set to become an international tourist destination, showcasing India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times through an edutainment approach utilizing the latest technology.
• The project will be completed in phases:
  • 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 artifacts, replica model of Lothal township surrounded by an open aquatic gallery, and a jetty walkway.
  • Phase 1B will have NMHC museum with 8 more galleries, Light house museum which is planned to be the world’s tallest, Bagicha complex (with a car parking facility for about 1500 cars, a food hall, a 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 resorts 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). 
• Phases 1A and 1B of the project are to be developed in EPC mode, and Phase 2 of the project will be developed through land subleasing/ PPP to establish NMHC as a world-class heritage museum. 
• A separate society will be set up for the development of future phases, to be governed by a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • This society will manage the implementation and operation of the NMHC.

Q1: What is the Sagarmala programme?

The Sagarmala Programme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, represents a visionary approach by the Government of India to transform the country's maritime sector. With India's extensive coastline, navigable waterways, and strategic maritime trade routes, Sagarmala aims to unlock the untapped potential of these resources for port-led development and coastal community upliftment. Approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2015, Sagarmala seeks to enhance the performance of the logistics sector by reducing logistics costs for both domestic and international trade.

Source: Cabinet approves development of National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat