National Maritime Heritage Tender

The NMHC is to be set up at Lothal Gujarat. Lothal was one of the southernmost cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation located between the Sabarmati river and its tributary Bhogavo in the Saurashtra region. Archaeological excavations suggest that it was the worlds earliest known dock.It would be developed as an international tourist destination where the maritime heritage of India from ancient to modern times would be showcased.The idea is to create an edutainment education with entertainment approach for this destination that would be of great interest for the visitors.It is going to cover an area of 400 acres with structures such as Heritage Theme Park National Maritime Heritage Museum Lighthouse Museum Maritime Institute eco-resorts and more.There will also be many pavilions where all coastal states in India and union territories can showcase their artifacts and maritime heritage.The unique feature of NMHC is the recreation of ancient Lothal city which is one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization.Conceptualised as one of the largest maritime museums in the world the idea behind the project is to celebrate the maritime heritage of India.The Gujarat government has already allotted 375 acres land at Saragwala village on lease for 99 years to the Union Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways which took possession of the land last July. Prominent architect Hafeez Contractor has designed the facility.The maritime heritage complex would be an international tourist destination and would be developed in three-phases by 2026.Ministry of Shipping Government of Gujarat and Indian Port Rail RopewayCorporation Limited shall be collectively develop NMHC. MoS will arrange fundingGoG will provide land develop necessary external infrastructure and shallexpeditiously provide all clearancesapprovals from the various departments agencies under GoG for timely execution. IPRCL shall be responsible for the implementation of NMHC within the proposed timelines and for its operation and maintenance. The NMHC project shall be funded by Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Culture through National Culture Fund by way of grant. Previous EventA Memorandum of Understanding MoU has been signed between the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways MoPSW and Ministry of Culture MoC for Cooperation in Development of National Maritime Heritage Complex NMHC at Lothal Gujarat on 16th June 2021.