India’s First Maritime Museum: Union Minister Reviews Progress, Inks MoU For Naval Gallery At The Heritage Complex

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, on 2 July, reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) — which is being constructed at the historic Indus Valley civilisation region of Lothal in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd. — towards the development of the Naval Gallery.

The meeting was held along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Minister of Health Mansukh Mandaviya.

The MoU was signed for the planning, development, construction, and commissioning of the gallery on the theme — “Evolution of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard” at the Heritage Complex, as per a press release from Ministry of Defence.

Sarbananda Sonowal expressed, "NMHC is one of the major projects of the Sagarmala Programme under MoPSW and will be the world's biggest Maritime Museum complex."

He added, “NMHC will act as a centre for learning and understanding India's diverse maritime history and is being built in such a way that the common man of India can easily understand its history,"

About Country's First Maritime Museum

The NMHC is being developed as a first of its kind in the country.

This state-of-the-art facility will showcase India's 5,000-year-old maritime heritage, bringing together a diverse range of artifacts and fostering awareness about our rich maritime history.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019.

Under the Sagarmala Programme, the complex is being developed in an area of about 400 acres with an estimated cost of Rs 4500 crore.

It is being further planned to be developed through funding from public and private institutes or organisations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), reports ET Infra. The Major Ports of India are contributing a fund of Rs 209 crore.

Following the review meeting, the physical progress of phase-1A has reached more than 30 per cent.

Phase-1A includes part museum building complex, with five galleries and naval gallery to be utilised by Indian Navy and Coast Guard, in 35 acres.

The tenders for the first five galleries have been floated. Additionally, construction of a four-lane road of 1.58 km from Saragwada village up to the project site is on the verge of completion.

A water supply line of 25 kms and water tank of 10 lakh litre capacity has been completed, while laying of transmission lines of about 17 Km and funding the setting up of 66 kV GIS substation is under progress.

Further, Phase-1B consists of remaining Museum including galleries, Light House, 5D Dome Theatre and other infrastructure. This phase is proposed to be developed under EPC mode.

The second phase will consist of states pavilion, Lothal City, Maritime Institute including hostel, eco resorts, maritime and naval theme parks, along with several other theme parks.