The National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal: Modi govt’s tribute to the Indus Valley Civilisation’s rich maritime and engineering legacy

PM Modi on 20 September is scheduled to visit Gujarat. Among other engagements, the Prime Minister will also oversee the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, in the Ahmedabad district. PM Modi will check the progress of the project and will hold a review meeting to track the NMHC project. What is the NMHC project at Lothal? Lothal in Gujarat, a 4000 year old Indus site is the world's oldest known dock. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) here will showcase India's rich maritime history from the Indus Valley Civilisation to date. pic.twitter.com/65pLFexAKz— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 12, 2022 The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, is an initiative by the Modi government to honour the maritime and engineering achievements of the Indus Valley Civilisation, or, the Sindhu Saraswati Civilisation. Lothal was a key port city of the IVC around 2400 BCE. The NMHC, a ₹4,500 crore project spanning over 400 acres allocated by the Gujarat government, aims to preserve and showcase this ancient site’s historical significance while promoting tourism and education for future generations. World's Largest Maritime Museum, Lothal Area : 400 acresCost : 4,500 crTo showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime History12 states to set up their galleriesThe 77-meter-tall lighthouse being constructed here will be visible even from Ahmedabad1st phase is… pic.twitter.com/X74VX8ja2K— The Index of Gujarat (@IndexofGujarat) October 24, 2023 The NMHC, approved by the Union Cabinet in October 2024 under the Sagarmala Programme, seeks to highlight this legacy as an ancient maritime engineering marvel. It aligns with the government’s focus on balancing development and heritage preservation, and the reinvigorated focus in highlighting India’s ancient maritime trade. Bringing Lothal and India’s rich maritime history back to life… pic.twitter.com/2k8rycWWMD— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 18, 2022 The complex, developed in two phases, includes a National Maritime Heritage Museum with 14 galleries covering India’s maritime history from the IVC to modern times. Phase 1A, over 60% complete and set to open by year-end, features six galleries, including an Indian Navy and Coast Guard exhibit with artefacts like the INS Nishank missile boat, a Sea Harrier, and a UH-3 helicopter. It also includes a recreated Lothal township and a jetty walkway. NMHC under construction at Lothal, Gujarat, image via Desh Gujarat Phase 1B will add eight galleries, a 77-meter Lighthouse Museum, planned to be the tallest in the world, a 5D dome theatre, and the Bagicha Complex with parking for 1,500 vehicles, food courts, and medical facilities. Phase 2, funded through public-private partnerships, will include coastal state pavilions, eco-resorts, a fully recreated model of the Lothal city, a Maritime Institute, and four theme parks focusing on maritime history, climate change, monuments, and adventure. 4500 years of maritime brilliance, soon coming alive at Lothal. The National Maritime Heritage Museum will take you on a journey through India’s rich oceanic legacy, with live exhibits and rare artifacts.Stay tuned to explore the seas of stories. pic.twitter.com/DdC0ZpPqKQ— Gujarat Tourism (@GujaratTourism) September 17, 2025 The project is supported by the Ministries of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Culture, with funding from major ports, defence, the National Culture Fund, and ₹3,000 crore in private investment. The Lighthouse Museum will be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL). India’s leadership in maritime is rooted in a legacy older than 4 millennia! Lothal Dockyard is where Harappan merchants perfected tidal-lock basins.India Maritime Week 2025 celebrates this timeless legacy, reinstating India as a maritime powerhouse, now and forever.… pic.twitter.com/THjjtwpg7y— India Maritime Week 2025 (@imw_gov) September 15, 2025 Economically, the NMHC is expected to attract 25,000 daily visitors, generating 22,000 jobs directly and indirectly, while boosting local industries in the region. It aims to position Lothal as a major tourism destination, comparable to India’s top heritage sites. The significance of Lothal: How it is the testament of India’s rich maritime history Lothal is a key site on the map of Sindhu Saraswati Civilisation that traces how the rich civilisation of ancient Indians spread from the Sindhu river, flourished along the Saraswati and progressed over North-Western India, marking the continuity in our legacy through trade, craft, city planning and culture. Located in Gujarat’s Bhal region near the Gulf of Khambhat, it features the world’s oldest known man-made dockyard, a 214 metre long and 36 metre wide trapezoidal basin with vertical brick walls, connected to the Sabarmati River via inlet and outlet channels. The people of the Sindhu Saraswati Civilisation possessed so