MUMBAI, March 25, 2022: Tata Projects, one of India's fastest-growing and most admired infrastructure companies, today signed an approximately Rs 500 crore contract agreement for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in the Lothal region, Gujarat. To be completed in 24 months, the NMHC will be dedicated to the maritime heritage of India and will showcase the nation’s rich and diverse maritime glory.
The project has been awarded by the Ministry of Shipping (MoS), Government of India (GoI), through Indian Port Rail and Rope Way Corporation (IPRCL) and involves construction, testing and commissioning of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (Phase - IA) on EPC basis. It includes a museum building, artificial water body and jetty, a prototype of ancient Lothal town and its rich heritage, museum galleries to establish a timeline of the known facts about India’s maritime history and parking facilities.
NMHC will house the National Maritime Museum; Maritime Heritage based Theme Park, Maritime Research Institute, Nature Conservation Park, resorts and hotels etc. NMHC will remain under the ownership of MoS, and IPRCL will be the custodian of the assets created.
NMHC will consolidate all diverse and vibrant artefacts from ancient to modern times and provide access to the public - while spreading awareness and inspiring the public about maritime heritage.
Sandeep Navlakhe, executive vice president and BU head - Buildings, Factories and Airports, Tata Projects, said, “As a company, we have always worked towards creating infrastructure that improves people’s lives and enhancing national development. We are therefore proud to sign the contract for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex since this project will enhance the nation’s stature on the international stage by showcasing its rich maritime heritage. We are certain that upon completion, it will stand on par with renowned international maritime museums.”
The location – ‘Lothal’ – is significant since it is one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilisation dating back to 2400BC, located 76 km from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Archaeological excavations have discovered the oldest man-made dockyard, over 5000 years old, in Lothal.
Through themed galleries, interactive and immersive exhibits and digital experiences, the completed project will invite visitors to embark on an exciting exploration of India's past and present maritime prowess.
The exhibited maritime history, along with India’s vibrant coastal tradition, will help towards uplifting the nation’s image in the global arena.
