National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is being developed at Lothal, Gujarat, envisioned as the world's largest maritime museum complex.
• The project aims to showcase India's rich maritime heritage spanning over 5,000 years, from the Harappan Civilization to modern times.
• The foundation stone for the complex was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019.
• Phase 1A of the project, comprising six museum galleries and a recreation of the ancient Lothal township, is expected to be completed by September 2025.
• The entire complex is projected to be fully operational by 2028-2029, with an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore to ₹4,500 crore.

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Detailed Insights:

• The NMHC is spread over 400 acres and will feature 14 galleries, a Lighthouse Museum, theme parks, and a maritime research institute.
• Lothal is an ancient port city of the Indus Valley Civilization, renowned for possessing one of the world's earliest known dockyards, dating back to around 2400 BCE.
• The project is being developed under the Sagarmala Programme by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• The Indian Ports Association serves as the nodal agency, with the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) as the executing agency.
• The complex is expected to generate approximately 22,000 jobs and attract around 25,000 visitors daily upon completion.
• International collaborations have been established with ten countries for joint maritime research and heritage preservation.
• The NMHC aligns with the vision of 'virasat bhi, vikas bhi' (heritage and development), promoting cultural tourism and economic growth.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): A world-class museum complex in Lothal dedicated to India's maritime history.
• Lothal: An archaeological site in Gujarat, a prominent city of the Indus Valley Civilization with an ancient dockyard.
• Sagarmala Programme: A flagship initiative by the Government of India for port-led development and coastal community prosperity.
• Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization): An ancient civilization in the Indian subcontinent, known for its advanced urban planning and maritime trade.