India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex Set to Showcase Human Civilization’s Strides
Ira Singh
31 July’23
In a significant development that promises to celebrate India’s rich maritime history and cultural heritage, the central government has announced the construction of the ambitious “National Maritime Heritage Complex” (NMHC) at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore in Gujarat. This grand initiative aims to create an iconic international tourist destination, offering visitors a captivating journey through the great strides of human civilization.
The state government said on Sunday that the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), which is coming up at Lothal, will showcase the 5,000-year-old history of Lothal, apart from having several other attractions. The NHMC is proposed to be completed in three phases, according to sources.
The NMHC, which will come up over an area of 400 acres and at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore, will have a77-metre tall lighthouse with a viewing gallery at 65 metres height, a museum, an open aquatic gallery and a huge naval museum, an official statement said.
The statement added that apart from ensuring development of the surrounding Bhal region, the NMHC will also generate a large number of employment opportunities for local youth.
The statement said that the Lothal dockyard is the world’s first manmade dockyard and was made about 5,000 years ago. Located about 75 kilometres from Ahmedabad, it is well-connected by road to Ahmedabad and other parts of the state. A 100-room tent city is also proposed to be set up at the site.
A first of its kind complex in India, this centre will showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage. The foundation stone for the NMHC project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019.
The project is planned to be completed in different phases. In phase 1A, a museum will be built with 5 galleries and a naval gallery on 35 acres of land at an investment of ₹774.23 crore. In the phase 1B, remaining portions of the museum will be built, including galleries, light house, 5D dome theatre, Bagicha Complex and other infrastructure. This phase is proposed to be developed under EPC mode.
The phase 2 will consist of state pavilions, Lothal city, Maritime Institute including hostel, eco resorts, maritime & naval theme park, climate change theme park, monument theme park and adventure & amusement park. Components under this phase shall be executed under PPP mode.
Union Minister MoPSW and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “It is one of the major project under Sagarmala scheme of MoPSW which has an edutainment approach. By using the latest technology maritime heritage will be projected in a user friendly manner to spread awareness among people. Total cost of the NMHC project including EPC and PPP mode is ₹3,500 Crores. The commissioning of NMHC Phase 1A is targeted to be completed by March 2024.”
The NMHC, slated to be built on the picturesque coastline of India, will stand as a beacon of maritime excellence, tracing the nation’s historical contributions to sea trade, voyages, and navigation. The project is set to become an epitome of architectural brilliance and cultural significance, attracting tourists from across the globe and promoting India’s maritime heritage on a global stage.
The construction of the NMHC comes as part of the Indian government’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the country’s maritime legacy. The complex will encompass various exhibits, interactive displays, and state-of-the-art museums that will narrate stories of ancient seafaring, illustrious maritime routes, and the profound cultural exchanges that have occurred throughout the ages.
Tourists and history enthusiasts alike can expect a captivating experience as they delve into the mysteries of ancient seafaring civilizations, exploring artifacts and relics retrieved from underwater archaeological excavations. The NMHC will also showcase the advanced navigation techniques used by ancient mariners and the pivotal role Indian sailors played in connecting the world through trade and cultural exchanges.
In addition to being an educational and immersive experience, the NMHC is poised to become a major international tourist destination. Tourists will have the opportunity to embark on interactive virtual voyages, reliving the experiences of legendary explorers like Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, and Zheng He. The complex will offer visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the fascinating history of seafaring nations and the profound impact they had on shaping the course of human civilization.
The government’s commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange is expected to spur economic growth in the region surrounding the NMHC. With an influx of tourists and travelers, local businesses, hospitality services, and cultural enterprises are likely to thrive, providing employment opportunities for the local populace.
The commencement of the NMHC’s construction marks a monumental step towards transforming India’s maritime history into an engaging and enlightening experience for global tourists and history enthusiasts alike. As the project progresses, India eagerly awaits the day when the National Maritime Heritage Complex opens its doors to the world, inviting visitors on a remarkable journey through the annals of human civilization.