The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, chaired the 2nd Governing Council Meeting of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Society, reviewing the progress of the ambitious project coming up at Lothal, Gujarat, that seeks to revive and showcase India’s maritime legacy spanning over five millennia.
Calling NMHC one of the most significant cultural and maritime initiatives undertaken by the Government of India, Sonowal said the project aims to establish Lothal as a globally renowned centre of maritime heritage, knowledge, education and tourism.
“NMHC at Lothal is one of the most significant cultural and maritime initiatives undertaken by the Government of India,” Sonowal said, recalling that the Governing Council had laid down a clear vision and direction when it first met in June 2025.
The Union Minister noted that the Society has since completed key statutory registrations, including income tax exemption, CSR and Darpan registrations, strengthening its institutional framework for future resource mobilisation.
He was particularly encouraged by the international response the project has received, with 13 countries, including Portugal, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, the Netherlands, Denmark, Oman, Israel, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Italy, New Zealand and Singapore, having signed MoUs for collaboration, with discussions underway with several more nations towards a proposed pipeline of 35-plus partnerships.
“These partnerships are enabling exchange of artefacts, replicas, ship models, research collaboration and cultural engagement, making NMHC a powerful instrument of maritime diplomacy,” Sonowal said.
On construction progress, the Council was informed that Phase 1A has reached approximately 82 percent physical completion. The Minister urged implementing agencies to maintain strict supervision to meet the revised completion target of October 31, 2026, flagging components such as Galleries 4 and 6, Lothal Town and Aquatic Theming that remain to be completed. He also drew attention to 1,492 artefacts already readied for installation, calling for expedited approvals so exhibits can be commissioned in time for visitor operations.
