Lothal (Ahmedabad), Mar 5: India is building a Rs 4,500-crore National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal near Ahmedabad to showcase the country’s 5,000-year maritime legacy, linking the Harappan civilisation’s ancient dockyard with modern shipping history through a technologically driven museum and global-standard tourist destination.
The complex is being established at an estimated cost of around 4500 crores by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India and is spread over 400 acres of land adjacent to Lothal site of Harappan civilization in Lothal which is believed to be 5000 years old and was first dockyard built by man 5000 years ago and was also directly connected with Oman dockyard and was being used for global trading practices during Harappan civilization.
Prof Vashant Shinde, Advisor to NMHC told that the complex is in itself an engineering marvel and first of its kind unique world class destination where history and heritage converge in a manner never seen and never explored before.
He was interacting with journalists of Jammu and Punjab Haryana who were on visit of Gujarat during a tour organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB) Jammu in coordination with Press Information Bureau (PIB) Gujarat.
During interaction, Prof Shinder said that this is a technologically driven museum to attract visitors from across the globe and has a number of different components that include and iconic National Maritime Museum which will be built on fourteen themed galleries with each gallery narrating how India’s history has been shaped by generations of enterprising seafarers.
” These galleries will exhibit various artefacts, digital displays, films and artwork offering visitors a deep dive into India’s Maritime legacy.” he further said.
Prof Shinde, who heads this upcoming complex, further told that along with a world’s tallest lighthouse museum, the NMHC will also have Bagicha complex which will serve as the gateway for visitors in barking on their journey through India’s Maritime history.
Four dedicated Maritime Heritage based theme parks including maritime and naval theme park, the climate change theme park, the adventure and amusement theme park and the monuments theme park will give visitors and dreaming experience.
” NMHC aspires to be a global tourist destination that immerses visitors in the rich history of Indian Maritime Heritage and it offers a journey through the ages, from the living era of the Harappans to the modern day Indian Shipping providing a spectacular experiential delight.” they said.
Prof Shinde further added that an underwater theming with art work is also being established in this complex.
” The NMHC is an idea of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tap the rich maritime history of India and establishment of this complex is going through a lot of dedicated efforts in which MOUs have also been signed with different countries of the world in order to get details from these countries about India’s Maritime history and also to get technology assistance of these nations.” he further said and informed that some of the galleries will be completed in next few months while the entire complex will be ready in next couple of years.
Temperature-controlled building to beat extreme heat
The main building of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is an engineering marvel in itself as it is being built in temperature control aspects to ensure that the temperature inside the building remains average keeping in view the high temperature limits of Gujarat areas.
GM Marketing Head, Amit Rathore said that stone used in construction of main building have been brought from Jodhpur and are crafted in such a manner that only sequence assembling of stones as per basic design is possible and random assembly is not possible at all and this gives building a uniform look.
The walls of building are also having a different design with concrete layer in the middle and stone layers on both outer sides which will help maintaining and average temperature inside the complex.
NMHC to become first e-transport destination in India
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Lothal is not only going to be India’s maiden place to showcase rich maritime history of nation but is also going to be the first e-transport destination in India offering a seamless and sustainable experience.
Built with sustainable development methods as well as eco-friendly aspects, other than e-transport is not allowed in the complex.
Upon arrival, visitors will alight from their vehicles and transition into the complex using only eco-friendly modes of transportation.
These modes include boats moving on interconnected water channels inside the complex, electric buggies, personal mobility electric bikes and segways.
World’s tallest lighthouse museum to rise at NMHC
The world’s tallest lighthouse museum is also being built at NMHC which will rise to an interesting height of over 75 meters. This monumental structure will feature a viewing gallery offering visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire NMHC and it’s surroundings.
The visitor experience will be thoughtfully curated to highlight the rich history of Indian lighthouse and the expansive coastline that has shaped India’s Maritime Heritage.
Decommissioned naval aircraft, warship to greet visitors
Two main decommissioned defence vehicles of India are also being showcased at main entry of NMHC to highlight India’s defence capabilities.
These include IL 38 aircraft, INS Nishank which remained part of India’s defence strength including during Kargil war.
Replica Harappan city to recreate 5,000-year-old lifestyle
Another main centre of attraction in NMHC will be an ancient city Lothal being built on the lines of Lothal site of Harappan civilization which is located near the complex and it base lines for it.
The city will be constructed completely on ancient lines with all the structures will be of Harappan civilization model and the human resource present in it will be living a lifestyle of 5000 years ago.
Not only this, use of today’s currency inside this ancient city is also prohibited and the visitors will only be allowed to use barter system of trade as was done during Harappan civilization period.
