NMHC Lothal Project Reaches 82% Completion, October 2026 Target Set

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, describing the project as one of the government’s most significant cultural and maritime initiatives.

Chairing the second Governing Council Meeting of the NMHC Society, Sonowal said the project is aimed at positioning Lothal as a globally recognised centre for maritime heritage, knowledge, education and tourism.

The minister said the Society has strengthened its institutional framework since the first Governing Council meeting in June 2025 by completing key statutory registrations, including income tax exemption, CSR and Darpan registrations. These measures are expected to support future resource mobilisation and institutional development.

The project has also received significant international interest. According to the government, 13 countries have signed memoranda of understanding with the NMHC, including Portugal, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, the Netherlands, Denmark, Oman, Israel, Germany, South Korea, Italy, New Zealand and Singapore.

Sonowal said discussions are underway with additional countries, with the NMHC targeting a pipeline of more than 35 international partnerships. The collaborations are expected to facilitate exchanges of artefacts and replicas, ship models, research initiatives and cultural programmes, strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy.

On construction, the Governing Council was informed that Phase 1A has achieved around 82% physical completion. Sonowal directed implementing agencies to maintain close supervision and adhere to the revised completion deadline of October 31, 2026. Key components still under completion include Galleries 4 and 6, Lothal Town and Aquatic Theming.

The meeting also reviewed supporting infrastructure. The Dholera Expressway has been completed, while the plan for the high-speed rail corridor has been finalised. Excavation at Lothal by the Archaeological Survey of India has reached 70% completion.

The Gujarat government continues to support the project through connectivity, power, water supply and visitor amenities.