**Executive Summary**
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, setting a completion deadline of July 2026 for Phase 1. The project highlights significant international collaboration through 10 signed MoUs and underscores the need for inter-ministerial coordination to drive tourism. Additionally, the Minister issued directives to ensure the safe passage of India-bound ships through the Gulf of Straits.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Timelines and Infrastructure**
* Phase 1 of the NMHC is targeted for completion by July 2026, with an emphasis on strict adherence to construction schedules.
* Phase 1A, due by July of the current year, features six museum galleries, the Lothal township, aquatic theming, a jetty walkway, and Indian Navy artefacts.
* Phase 1B will involve an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore, adding eight museum galleries, a lighthouse museum, a 50-dome theatre, and the Bageecha complex.
* **Global Collaboration and Outreach**
* India has signed 10 MoUs with nations including the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, and Thailand.
* Four additional MoUs are expected to be signed with Italy, France, Myanmar, and Cambodia to establish the NMHC as a global maritime history center.
* The Minister emphasized the need for partnerships with ASEAN and other maritime nations to showcase shared oceanic heritage.
* **Operational and Strategic Directives**
* Officials are directed to accelerate work on critical components such as mural work, panels, flooring, and ceiling fabrication.
* The Ministry seeks a clear revenue model to ensure the long-term viability and sustainable maintenance of the complex.
* Closer coordination is required between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Tourism.
* **Maritime Security**
* The Minister reviewed the maritime situation in the Gulf of Straits near Iran.
* Specific instructions were given to officials to take all necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of ships bound for India.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Ministry Officials and Project Developers**
**Impact**
They are responsible for meeting the accelerated construction timelines and ensuring high-quality standards for critical artistic and structural components.
**Action Required**
Adhere to strict deadlines for Phase 1 and Phase 1A; provide clarity on the project's revenue model and maintenance plan.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism**
**Impact**
These departments are identified as vital partners in positioning the NMHC as a major cultural and economic hub.
**Action Required**
Collaborate on project execution and prepare a comprehensive calendar of events to ensure high visitor engagement and footfall.
**Stakeholder: Maritime Shipping Industry**
**Impact**
The safety of India-bound vessels is a priority due to the reviewed situation in the Gulf of Straits.
**Action Required**
Officials must implement necessary safety protocols to guarantee secure transit through the Gulf of Straits near Iran.
**Stakeholder: International Partner Nations**
**Impact**
Ten countries are currently engaged in MoUs, with four more pending, creating a global network for maritime heritage.
**Action Required**
Engage in active collaboration to showcase shared historical linkages and enhance the international profile of the complex.
Key Entities Referenced
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): A landmark initiative under construction to showcase India's maritime legacy and civilisational connect with the seas.
Lothal: The historical site in Gujarat which serves as the central location for the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): The primary ministry responsible for the development, review, and international collaboration efforts for the NMHC project.
Sarbananda Sonowal: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways who is overseeing the project's progress and set the July 2026 completion target for Phase 1.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews
NMHC Progress, Sets July 2026 Target for Phase
1 Completion
India Signs 10 MoUs with as Many Countries to Advance
NMHC Global Collaboration
India signs MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany,
South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, Thailand
for NMHC Global Outreach
Sarbananda Sonowal reviews Maritime Situation in Gulf of
Straits, Asks Officials to take necessary steps for safe
passage of India bound Ships
Posted On: 06 MAY 2026 8:15PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the
progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at Lothal and set July
2026 as the target for completion of Phase 1 of the project. During the review, the minister directed
officials to accelerate construction activities and ensure timely completion of critical components,
including panels, mural work, ceiling fabrication and flooring. Sonowal emphasised strict adherence to
timelines to operationalise the complex within the stipulated deadline.
“The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a landmark initiative to showcase India’s rich
maritime legacy and civilisational connect with the seas. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to developing NMHC as a world-class
destination that celebrates our heritage while inspiring future generations. We must ensure timely
completion with the highest standards of quality,” Sonowal said.
Highlighting the global dimension of the project, the minister stressed the need for collaboration with
neighbouring and maritime nations, including countries from ASEAN, to showcase shared oceanic
heritage and historical linkages with India. Officials were asked to actively pursue such partnerships to
enhance the international profile of the complex. India has already signed 10 MoUs with Netherlands,
Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, and Thailand while 4 more
countries — Italy, France, Myanmar & Cambodia — are likely to sign the MoUs for collaboration in
developing NMHC as a global centre of Maritime history.Sonowal also underscored the importance of inter-ministerial coordination, directing closer collaboration
with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure effective execution and positioning of
NMHC as a major tourism and cultural hub. Sonowal further called for the preparation of a
comprehensive calendar of events in alignment with national and state tourism departments to drive
sustained visitor engagement and high footfall.
In addition, the minister sought clarity on the revenue model to ensure sustainable maintenance and long-
term viability of the complex.
“NMHC is not just an infrastructure project — it is a tribute to India’s maritime spirit and a gateway to
understanding our historical global connections. With Prime Minister Modi ji’s unwavering focus on
development and cultural preservation, we are building a platform that will strengthen tourism, generate
economic opportunities and reinforce India’s identity as a maritime nation,” Sonowal added.
Phase 1A of the project, targeted for completion by July this year, includes six museum galleries, the
Lothal township, aquatic theming, common area theming, a jetty walkway and the display of Indian Navy
artefacts.
The next phase, Phase 1B, will see an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore and will include eight
additional museum galleries, a lighthouse museum, the Bageecha complex, Lothal–NI–VAV components,
and a 50-dome theatre, among other attractions.
Once completed, the NMHC is expected to emerge as a global centre for maritime history, tourism and
cultural engagement, significantly contributing to India’s vision of preserving heritage while driving
economic growth.
Sonowal also reviewed the situation at Gulf of Straits near Iran and steps being taken for safe passage of
ships bound for India. He asked officials to take all necessary steps for safe passage of India bound ships.
***Samrat/MI/IY
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