NMHC Plans Grand Opening in 2028, Right on Schedule.

India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat is progressing as planned, with the first phase set to be completed by 2025 and the full facility opening in 2028. The project, developed with international partnerships, aims to showcase India’s maritime history and its role in global trade and culture. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal sees the NMHC as aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of combining heritage with development, highlighting India’s historical maritime achievements and contributions to human civilizations.

The estimated cost of Phase 1-A is ₹1,200 crore, with 65% of construction work already completed. Featuring six galleries, the Lothal Jetty Walkway, and the Lothal town, Phase 1-A is expected to be inaugurated by August-September 2025. The project aims to generate 22,000 direct jobs and attract 25,000 visitors daily once operational. International collaborations are underway with countries such as Portugal, the UAE, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Thailand expected to contribute their maritime heritage, expertise, and research.

The NMHC will go beyond being a museum to become a hub for tourism, education, and research. It will showcase India’s maritime history and ongoing significant role in global maritime trade and cultural exchange. Proposed tourism circuits in Gujarat post-NMHC operationalization, including routes connecting Lothal with Saurashtra, South Gujarat, and Gohilvad, offer diverse travel experiences. The complex will feature 14 galleries covering various aspects of India’s maritime history, including the Harappan civilization, trade with the Greco-Roman world, and the evolution of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Sonowal believes the project will establish India as a global maritime power, showcasing its leadership in innovation, cooperation, and progress.

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