The ambitious National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) project in Lothal received the green light from the Union Cabinet on October 9. Located in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district, Lothal houses the earliest man-made dockyard, dating back to around 2600 BCE, discovered during excavations from 1954 to 1959. “Lothal is, therefore, the birthplace of India’s rich maritime heritage. It is thus fitting that the National Maritime Museum is established here, honouring the legacy of our ancient seafarers,” says Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The project will be completed in two phases.
Principal Project Consultant Hafeez Contractor, elaborating on the design, says, “The project is envisioned as a global landmark celebrating India’s unparalleled maritime and Harappan legacy. The design fully embodies the complexity and grandeur of the project, which spans 375 acres and is poised to accommodate a daily visitor footfall of 25,000 people.”
He adds, “Given Lothal’s historical significance as home to the world’s earliest known dockyard and its location away from major urban centres like Ahmedabad, Baroda (Vadodara) and Dholera, our approach required a blend of education, entertainment and immersive experiences.” Contractor further points out that the design emphasises a holistic vision that “caters to all age groups through cutting-edge audio-visual technologies, interactive exhibits and living theatrical representations of India’s maritime history.”
Speaking about the significance of the complex, he adds, “We integrated elements that make NMHC a tribute to India’s 7,500-km coastline and its ancient role in trade and cultural exchange. NMHC will also be a destination that offers edutainment and leisure. Features such as immersive storytelling, real-life experiences and facilities that enhance the visitor journey are incorporated to ensure the project resonates as a world-class tourist destination and a proud representation of our heritage.”
Project phases
The project is divided into two main phases, P1 and P2, with two sub-phases—P1A, P1B, in the first phase; P1A is likely to be completed by late 2025.
“Phase 1A, which includes six galleries, an aquatic gallery, a reconstruction of Lothal town, underwater theming, and landscaped external artefacts, is expected to open to the public by late 2025. Concurrently, work on the remaining phases will continue. Measures will be taken to ensure that tourist movement is not disrupted by ongoing construction activities,” confirmed Sonowal.
Design inspiration
Every project, especially one as massive as NMHC, requires reference points for design. “Our approach attempts to combine research, creativity, and collaboration to create a museum experience that is innovative, experiential, and yet deeply informed,” Contractor explains.
Their design team, led by Design Principal Karl Wadia and Apoorva Sharma, undertook an in-depth exploration of the Harappan way of life, India’s maritime prowess and the poignant reality that the Harappans of Lothal were likely the first known climate refugees from over 4,000 years ago, says Contractor, as he notes that “the profound understanding of history and its delicate balance formed the foundations of our design.”
The design process involved extensive research, including studying prominent museums in India and abroad to gather insights and best practices. The design’s expression is firmly rooted in imagination, ensuring a unique and visionary outcome. To realise this vision, Contractor and his team assembled a specialised team of experts, including historians, archaeologists, museologists, planners, exhibit designers, curators and multimedia
specialists.
Sustainability at its core
Mirror visited the site during the complex’s construction and observed an intelligent use of recycling, reusing and storing rainwater—a model adaptable to urban spaces.
“The project spans 400 acres, strategically chosen for its naturally low-lying terrain that collects runoff from seasonal streams and rivulets. To harness this, multiple water holding tanks and water bodies are planned, ensuring year-round water availability. Additionally, cutting-edge technologies will be employed to minimise water loss. This model can indeed be adapted for urban areas across India to improve water conservation and management,” the minister shares.
The Display Space
The 14 galleries at the museum will present India’s maritime history spanning 5,000 years, from the Pre-Harappan era to contemporary shipping. A special gallery on the evolution of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard will showcase various historical battles.
Gallery 1: Orientation and oceanic mythologies
Gallery 2: Harappans: The pioneer seafarers
Gallery 3: Post-Harappan trajectories: Impact of climate change
Gallery 4: India’s contact with the Greco-Roman world
Gallery 5: Special exhibitions
gallery
Gallery 6: Evolution of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard
Gallery 7: Trade and cultural relations with Southeast Asia and beyond
Gallery 8: Maritime traditions of Gujarat
Gallery 9: Age of emporia contact
Gallery 10: Maratha naval power
Gallery 11: Arrival of Europeans
Gallery 12: Children’s gallery
Gallery 13: Traditional boatbuilding and navigation techniques of India
Gallery 14: Indian shipping post-Independence
Futuristic design
NMHC’s design reflects the structured hierarchy of ancient cities, with the citadel housing key buildings and the middle and lower towns accommodating supporting facilities.
Its key objectives include:
Showcasing India’s maritime history through interactive exhibits
Connecting the past, present and future through integrated maritime activities
Promoting sustainability and
site-level environmental integration
Offering edutainment and
educational opportunities
Its goal: To be a Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water and Net Zero Waste project.