Union cabinet gives nod to maritime heritage complex at Lothal

Gandhinagar: The Union cabinet has given the green light for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, situated in Ahmedabad district. This project is anticipated to draw tourists, researchers, scholars, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to the location, while also providing an economic boost to the surrounding communities.
According to an official statement, the NMHC project is expected to generate approximately 22,000 jobs, with 15,000 direct employment opportunities and 7,000 indirect positions.The master plan for the complex has been designed by architect Hafeez Contractor, and Tata Projects Ltd has been entrusted with the construction of Phase 1A.
The NMHC will be developed in multiple phases, with Phase 1A featuring an NMHC museum housing six galleries, including an Indian Navy and Coast Guard gallery, which is set to be one of the largest in the country. Phase 2 will encompass coastal state pavilions, a hospitality zone, a recreation of the real-time Lothal City, a Maritime Institute and hostel, and four theme-based parks.
Chief minister Bhupendra Patel expressed gratitude to the Union govt for approving the project. He added, "Once developed, the NHMC will be the world's greatest maritime complex featuring a lighthouse museum, ship building experience, docks, to name a few."
Officials have stated that the construction of the lighthouse museum under Phase 1B will be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL). A separate society, governed by a governing council chaired by the Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways, will be established to oversee the implementation, development, management, and operation of the NMHC at Lothal.