Indian Govt. plans Rs 4,000-cr project for maritime heritage complex Museum at Lothal’s Indus Valley civilisation port site by 2029 : Sonowal
NEW DELHI : The Centre, through the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), is looking at ₹4,000 crore project where it intends to rewrite the country’s maritime history, with a strong push on highlighting the historic town of Lothal (now a UNESCO world heritage site) in Gujarat as the pivot to such trade activities. The city of Lothal will be pushed as an international tourist destination with additional investment going in towards infrastructure upgrade apart from setting up a maritime heritage complex. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal told.
This initiative includes a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade and the creation of a National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC). It envisions transforming the historic town of Lothal in Gujarat, into a global tourist and cultural hub.
Lothal was one of the prominent cities of the ancient Harappan civilization dating to 2600 BC. Archaeological excavations of Lothal have discovered the oldest manmade dockyard, over 5000 years old. Lothal was one of the most important ports of the Indus Valley civilization, which served the trade between the Indus Valley civilization and those in the west such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, and other ancient civilizations.
Lothal is also a UNESCO world heritage site in Gujarat. “Around 5000 years ago, India used to integrate the world through commercial activity, maritime trade, culture, and civilization. The new tourist hub in Lothal will highlight and preserve the historical importance of India and showcase it to the world,” Sonowal told.
Key components of the NMHC include a maritime museum showcasing India’s shipbuilding and navigation history, waterfront developments with ancient vessel reconstructions, and research facilities on maritime archaeology and conservation. Infrastructure improvements will feature international star-hotels, theme parks, and promoting the inland waterways network. Phase 1A, highlighting India’s maritime trade across states, is set for completion by September 2025, with the entire complex expected to be operational by 2029.
Approx. Rs 3,000 crore in private investment is anticipated through public-private partnerships (PPP), with several hotel majors already showing interest. Additional attractions include a Lighthouse Museum, open aquatic gallery, coastal state pavilions, and theme parks such as Naval, Climate Change, and Nature Conservation parks. The NMHC is expected to position Lothal as a global tourist destination while boosting regional tourism and preserving its rich maritime heritage.