National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal: Phase 1 targeted for July 2026
Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at Lothal, Gujarat, and set July 2026 as the target for Phase 1, the Ministry said on 6 May 2026; India has signed NMHC MoUs with 10 countries.
Summary
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at Lothal, Gujarat, should complete Phase 1 by July 2026, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal directed in a review announced on 6 May 2026, asking officials to speed up panels, murals, ceilings and flooring. India has signed 10 MoUs for NMHC collaboration with the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel and Thailand, while Italy, France, Myanmar and Cambodia are likely to sign. Sonowal also called for coordination with the Ministries of Culture and Tourism to position NMHC as a tourism and cultural hub.
Key facts
- Project
- National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal (Gujarat)
- Target
- Phase 1 by July 2026
- MoUs
- 10 countries: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, Thailand
- Likely next
- Italy, France, Myanmar, Cambodia
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), whose Phase 1 is targeted for July 2026, is being built at:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lothal, Gujarat
The NMHC is under construction at Lothal, Gujarat.
With how many countries has India signed MoUs for collaboration on the National Maritime Heritage Complex, as of May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 10
India has signed 10 MoUs with as many countries, and 4 more (Italy, France, Myanmar, Cambodia) are likely to sign.