**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3448 regarding the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) project at Lothal, Gujarat. The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, clarified that the government has not integrated the NMHC under the Cruise India Mission to promote marine tourism. The target completion date for phase 1A of the NMHC project is September 2025. The project is estimated to create approximately 22,000 jobs (15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect). The NMHC is also expected to stimulate tourism and related sectors, improve regional infrastructure, and provide opportunities for skill development for local youth in areas like hospitality and heritage management. The Government of Gujarat has established the Lothal Area Development Authority (LADA) to oversee holistic development in the 196 sq. km area surrounding the NMHC, aiming to attract private investment and improve the regional coastal economy.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The government ministry responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): A project aimed at showcasing India's maritime heritage.
Cruise India Mission: An initiative to promote cruise tourism in India.
Lothal, Gujarat: The location in the state of Gujarat where the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) project is being developed.
Sarbananda Sonowal: The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Lothal Area Development Authority (LADA): An authority constituted by the Government of Gujarat for the development of the area around the NMHC site.
Government of Gujarat: The state government responsible for the region where the NMHC project is located and for establishing LADA.
September 2025: The target completion date for phase 1A of the NMHC project at Lothal.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3448
ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025
NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE COMPLEX
3448. SHRI DINESHBHAI MAKWANA:
SMT. SHOBHANABEN MAHENDRASINH BARAIYA:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न, पोत प(cid:303)रवहन और जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ी
(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to integrate National Maritime
Heritage Complex (NMHC) under ‘Cruise India Mission’ to promote marine tourism;
(b) if so, the details of the proposed coordination between NMHC and marine tourism
circuits;
(c) whether any time limit has been set for completion and commissioning of NMHC
project at Lothal in the State of Gujarat, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the framework/ scheme proposed to be adopted by the Government to assess the
economic and employment related impact of NMHC on the local and regional coastal
economy?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) to (b) No.
(c) The target completion date for phase 1A of the project NMHC at Lothal in the State
of Gujarat is September, 2025.
(d) It is estimated that approximately a total of 22,000 jobs will be created in
development of NMHC Project, with 15,000 direct employments and 7,000 indirect
employments. The development of NMHC will boost tourism and allied sectors such as
hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, artisans and souvenir shops. Improved road
connectivity, public transport and amenities around Lothal will boost social and economy
of all sections of regional coastal community. NMHC will house maritime research
institute, providing jobs for scholars, researchers and students. Local youth can benefitfrom skill development programmes in hospitality, heritage management, museum
curation and tourism. Further, Government of Gujarat has constituted Lothal Area
Development Authority (LADA) for holistic development of about 196 sq. km area around
NMHC site for economic and employment of locals and improvement in regional coastal
economy. LADA will promote zoning for tourism, residential, commercial and industrial
uses attracting private investments. Better infrastructure will lower business costs,
improve livability and will attract investment across all sectors.
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