What Progress Has PM Modi Made on the Rs 4,500-crore National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi to review progress of NMHC in Lothal.
- Investment of Rs 4,500 crore for complex development.
- 14 galleries will showcase India's maritime history.
- Expected to create thousands of jobs in the region.
- Will enhance Lothal's status as a global tourist destination.
Gandhinagar, Sep 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Gujarat on Saturday to assess the advancement of the ambitious National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), which is being developed in Lothal, located in the Ahmedabad district.
The project, envisioned as a fusion of heritage, education, research, and tourism, is being constructed at an estimated investment of Rs 4,500 crore.
Lothal, historically recognized as a significant trading center of the Indus Valley Civilization and the site of one of the earliest dockyards globally, is being rejuvenated into an international hub that showcases India's extensive maritime heritage.
The NMHC aligns with PM Modi's vision of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' (Heritage with Development), bringing ancient maritime traditions to life through modern technology and immersive experiences.
The complex will feature 14 galleries that illuminate India's maritime history from the Harappan era to contemporary times, along with a pavilion dedicated to coastal states, four themed parks, and a reconstruction of Harappan architecture and lifestyle.
A standout attraction will be a 77-metre-high lighthouse museum - touted as the tallest globally - complemented by a floating restaurant, a 100-room tent city, eco-friendly transport options, and extensive visitor facilities.
Officials project that this initiative will create thousands of jobs, enhance local industries, and establish Lothal as a prominent international tourist hotspot.
Additionally, a Maritime University within the NMHC will offer academic and research opportunities, bolstering India's status as a center for maritime studies and heritage tourism. With features like the largest underwater open gallery in the world, interactive displays, and state-of-the-art digital installations, the NMHC aims to provide visitors with an unparalleled experience while reinforcing India's maritime identity.
Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1954 uncovered a meticulously planned city featuring a sophisticated drainage system, bead-making and semi-precious stone workshops, evidence of rice cultivation, and artifacts such as seals and pottery, which underscore Lothal's significance as a bustling center of trade, craftsmanship, and navigation in ancient India.