Indian Maritime Legacy Set Sail: NMHC Races Towards 2026 Completion

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the National Maritime Heritage Complex's progress, highlighting the completion target of July 2026. He stressed collaboration with international partners and strict timelines to transform Lothal into a key cultural and tourism hub, celebrating India's extensive maritime history.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, conducted a progress review of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) currently under construction at Lothal, marking July 2026 as the completion date for Phase 1. Sonowal urged involved parties to expedite construction efforts to ensure on-time delivery of crucial elements such as murals, panels, ceiling fabrication, and floors.

The NMHC project currently benefits from the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who envisions it as a world-class tribute to India's maritime history. Sonowal emphasized the importance of international collaborations and is actively seeking partnerships with ASEAN nations and other nearby maritime countries to highlight shared oceanic traditions and historical ties with India.

Already, India has agreements with ten countries, including the Netherlands, UAE, and South Korea, with more MoUs in the pipeline with nations like Italy and Cambodia. The initiative aims not only to preserve cultural treasures but also to enhance tourism and economic potential. Sonowal reviewed inter-ministerial synergies and urged for event planning with tourism entities to ensure NMHC's success as a global cultural and historical platform.