Contribution of National Maritime Heritage Complex

In order to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has envisioned developing a National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal near Ahmedabad. NMHC will comprise of fourteen galleries including a naval gallery highlighting India’s maritime heritage from the Harappan times to the present day. Coastal states pavilions displaying the diverse maritime heritage of India’s states and union territories will also feature in the complex. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the country of Portugal for cultural collaboration on development of NMHC. Similar MoUs have also been proposed with many other countries with which India has a history of maritime contacts. Around 35% of the construction for Phase I A has been completed so far.

At NMHC importance would be placed on using an educational and entertaining approach that utilises cutting-edge technology to raise awareness of India’s maritime heritage. It will inspire visitors towards India’s future maritime endeavours through immersive communication, revealing spaces and interactive technology. The complex is expected to boost tourism in the region and contribute to economic development.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.