New Delhi, October 9 (HS): The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given in-principle approval for Phase 1B and Phase 2 as per the master plan after raising funds through voluntary resources or contributions and raising funds. Phase 1A of the project is 60 percent complete and is planned to be completed by 2025.

Giving information about the decisions of the Cabinet, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is setting up a world-class National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal as per the Prime Minister's vision to showcase India's 4,500-year-old maritime heritage.

The development of the NMHC project is expected to create about 22,000 jobs with 15 thousand direct employment and 7 thousand indirect employment. The project implementation will boost development and greatly help local communities, tourists and visitors, researchers and scholars, government bodies, academic institutions, cultural organisations, environmental and conservation groups and businesses.

Phase 1A of the project will have the NMHC Museum with 6 galleries. It also includes a gallery of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, which is touted to be one of the largest galleries in the country. It will include outdoor naval artefacts (INS Nishank, Sea Harrier fighter aircraft, UH3 helicopters etc.), replica model of Lothal township surrounded by an open aquatic gallery and a jetty walkway.

Phase 1B will have the NMHC Museum with 8 more galleries. Light House Museum which is planned to be the world's tallest museum. Garden complex, with parking facility for about 1500 cars, food hall, medical centre etc.

Phase 2 will have coastal states pavilions (to be developed by the respective coastal states and union territories). Hospitality zone (with marine themed eco resorts and museums), recreation of Lothal town in real time. There will be a Maritime Institute and Hostel and 4 theme based parks (Marine & Naval Theme Park, Climate Change Theme Park, Memorial Park and Adventure & Amusement Park).

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar