Lothal maritime heritage complex hits 82% completion; 13 nations sign MoUs
Phase 1A of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal is 82% complete, with 13 countries signing MoUs and bye-laws approved.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat has crossed 82 percent physical completion under Phase 1A, the Governing Council of the NMHC Society was informed at its second meeting, chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
The Council reviewed the project's progress and urged implementing agencies to maintain strict supervision to meet the revised completion target of 31 October 2026. Components such as Galleries 4 and 6, Lothal Town and Aquatic Theming remain to be completed. The Minister also called for expedited approvals for 1,492 artefacts already readied for installation so that exhibits can be commissioned in time for visitor operations.
On the international front, 13 countries have signed memoranda of understanding for collaboration — Portugal, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, the Netherlands, Denmark, Oman, Israel, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Italy, New Zealand and Singapore — with discussions underway with several more nations towards a proposed pipeline of more than 35 partnerships. Sonowal said these partnerships enable the exchange of artefacts, replicas, ship models, research collaboration and cultural engagement, making the NMHC an instrument of maritime diplomacy.
The Council also reviewed plans for Phase 1B and Phase 2, which will add further galleries, a 5D Dome Theatre, a Coastal States Pavilion, a Lighthouse Museum planned with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, a Maritime Research Institute being developed with the Indian Maritime University, a Museotel and an Eco Resort. The proposed Lighthouse Museum has the potential to become the world's tallest lighthouse museum, the Minister noted.
External infrastructure progress was also taken note of, including the completed Dholera Expressway, a finalised plan for the high-speed rail corridor, and ongoing excavation at Lothal, now at 70 percent, being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India, alongside continued support from the Government of Gujarat on connectivity, power, water and visitor amenities. The Council considered and approved the proposed NMHC Bye-laws, providing a governance framework for the Society's transition into a fully operational institution.
Sonowal said the Society has completed key statutory registrations, including income tax exemption, CSR and Darpan registrations, strengthening its institutional framework for future resource mobilisation. He recalled that the Governing Council had laid down a clear vision and direction when it first met in June 2025.
"Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are not just building a museum at Lothal, we are reviving five thousand years of India's maritime civilisation and presenting it to the world," Sonowal said. He thanked the NMHC team, IPRCL, the Government of Gujarat, the Indian Navy, IMU, major ports and partner ministries for their contribution, expressing confidence that the NMHC would emerge as a global landmark celebrating India's maritime legacy and future aspirations.