Sat Dec 21 09:46:41 UTC 2024: ## World’s Largest Maritime Museum to Open in India in 2025
**New Delhi, December 21, 2024** – The first phase of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, is set to open to the public in September 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced. This phase of the project, which will ultimately become the world’s largest maritime museum, is currently 65% complete. The full complex is slated for completion by 2029.
The NMHC, built on the site of the world’s oldest known artificial dock, will showcase India’s rich maritime history. Excavations at Lothal, an ancient city on a major trade route, have revealed evidence of sophisticated shipbuilding and repair capabilities. The site is also nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
The project, approved by the Union Cabinet in October, anticipates a daily footfall of 25,000 and the creation of 22,000 jobs. Minister Sonowal highlighted international collaborations with over 20 countries, focusing on joint research, heritage preservation, and information exchange. He emphasized the NMHC’s role as a global center for maritime studies and research.
The ambitious 375-acre complex, designed according to Harappan town planning principles, will include a National Maritime Museum, gardens, recreational parks, eco-resorts, and hotels. Private investment is being sought for the development of these additional features. Major Indian ports have already contributed ₹209 crore for the initial phase.
Minister Sonowal expressed India’s ambition to become a global leader in shipbuilding and ship repair, aiming for a top-10 ranking by 2030 and a top-5 ranking by 2047.
First Piper 