National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is an upcoming tourism complex currently under construction near Lothal city of Gujarat. It is a project under the Sagarmala Scheme spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). This ambitious project aims to encapsulate India’s rich maritime history and vibrant coastal traditions within a single, awe-inspiring complex.

Project Overview:

The project will sprawl across an anticipated 400 Acres of land with 375 Acres occupying the maritime complex and 25 Acres reserved for staff residence facilities. The overall project cost is estimated at INR 3,500 Crore, wherein Phase 1A will have a construction cost of INR 804 Crore.

Strategically located in the historic Indus Valley Civilization Region of Lothal, NMHC will host an array of attractions, including national maritime museums, maritime-themed parks, a dedicated research institute, and a nature conservation park. Moreover, it will accommodate facilities such as resorts and hotels. The future scope of work additionally includes developing tourist accommodation facilities and expanding theme parks.

Purpose:

• To showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage.
• To consolidate all diverse and rich artifacts from ancient to modern times.
• To spread awareness among the common people, learn and get inspired by maritime heritage.

Historic Significance:

NMHC holds profound significance as the site of the oldest known man-made dockyard, the historic Indus Valley Civilization Region of Lothal, dating back over 5,000 years. This ancient marvel served as a vital hub on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the Peninsula of Saurashtra, underscoring the enduring maritime prowess of ancient India.

Project Timeline:

• Masterplan finalized: March 2019
• Foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 4, 2019
• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed: June 2021
• Project commenced in March 2022
• Expected completion: 2025 (Phase 1A)

Phases:

With a meticulous timeline in place, NMHC is being developed in phases to ensure timely completion. 

Phase 1A, currently underway, focuses on the construction of galleries. It will sprawl across an anticipated 35 Acres of land showcasing India’s maritime heritage across different epochs such as:

1. Orientation and Oceanic Mythology
2. Harappans: the pioneer seafarers
3. Post-Harappan trajectories: the impact of climate change
4. India’s contact with the Greco-Roman
5. And special exhibitions

Additionally, a naval gallery will trace the evolution of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, offering a comprehensive insight into India’s maritime prowess.

This phase is expected to be completed by 2025.

Phase 1B will see the completion of additional museums, along with a lighthouse museum, 5D dome theater, gardens, and other infrastructure.

Furthermore, Phase 2 will spotlight the maritime heritage of each coastal state and union territory through dedicated pavilions. The pavilions will display artifacts from the various states and union territories.

This phase will additionally feature theme parks over an anticipated 13 Acres of land. MoPSW plans to develop these theme parks in a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode. These include:

1. Maritime and naval theme park
2. Monuments park
3. Climate change theme park
4. And an adventure and amusement theme park

Central to NMHC’s allure is the recreation of the ancient Indus Valley civilization, complemented by Asia’s largest underwater marine museum and India’s greatest naval museum. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, visitors can expect immersive experiences through augmented and virtual reality, sound and light shows, touch-screen kiosks, and captivating short films, all aimed at bringing India’s maritime saga to life.

Future Development:

With its grand vision and innovative approach, NMHC is poised to emerge as a cultural landmark, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through India’s maritime past while celebrating its enduring legacy on the high seas.

Associated Companies:

The project is being developed by Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), a joint venture between MoPSW and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL)

Ownership: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)

Contractor (For Phase 1A): TATA Projects Ltd

Principal Project Consultant/ PMC: Architect Hafeez Contractor

Structural Engineering: DUCON Consultants Pvt Ltd

MEPF Consultant: Pankaj Dharkar & Associates

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is gathered using data from Biltrax Construction Data’s proprietary platform. This article uses feature images that may not represent the project. However, they are merely for illustration purposes.