Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways press release · 6 May 2026 · pibtracker filter

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews NMHC Progress, Sets July 2026 Target for Phase 1 Completion

PRID2258528 MinistryMinistry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Released6 May 2026 Reading12 min

India Signs 10 MoUs with as Many Countries to Advance NMHC Global Collaboration India signs MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, Thailand for NMHC Global Outreach Sarbananda Sonowal reviews Maritime Situation in Gulf of Straits, Asks Officials to take necessary steps for safe passage of India bound Ships Posted On: 06 MAY 2026 8:15PM by PIB Delhi Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at Lothal and set July 2026 as the target for completion of Phase 1 of the project. During the review, the minister directed officials to accelerate construction activities and ensure timely completion of critical components, including panels, mural work, ceiling fabrication and flooring. Sonowal emphasised strict adherence to timelines to operationalise the complex within the stipulated deadline. “The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a landmark initiative to showcase India’s rich maritime legacy and civilisational connect with the seas. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to developing NMHC as a world-class destination that celebrates our heritage while inspiring future generations. We must ensure timely completion with the highest standards of quality,” Sonowal said. Highlighting the global dimension of the project, the minister stressed the need for collaboration with neighbouring and maritime nations, including countries from ASEAN, to showcase shared oceanic heritage and historical linkages with India. Officials were asked to actively pursue such partnerships to enhance the international profile of the complex. India has already signed 10 MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, and Thailand while 4 more countries — Italy, France, Myanmar & Cambodia — are likely to sign the MoUs for collaboration in developing NMHC as a global centre of Maritime history. Sonowal also underscored the importance of inter-ministerial coordination, directing closer collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure effective execution and positioning of NMHC as a major tourism and cultural hub. Sonowal further called for the preparation of a comprehensive calendar of events in alignment with national and state tourism departments to drive sustained visitor engagement and high footfall. In addition, the minister sought clarity on the revenue model to ensure sustainable maintenance and long-term viability of the complex. “NMHC is not just an infrastructure project — it is a tribute to India’s maritime spirit and a gateway to understanding our historical global connections. With Prime Minister Modi ji’s unwavering focus on development and cultural preservation, we are building a platform that will strengthen tourism, generate economic opportunities and reinforce India’s identity as a maritime nation,” Sonowal added. Phase 1A of the project, targeted for completion by July this year, includes six museum galleries, the Lothal township, aquatic theming, common area theming, a jetty walkway and the display of Indian Navy artefacts. The next phase, Phase 1B, will see an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore and will include eight additional museum galleries, a lighthouse museum, the Bageecha complex, Lothal–NI–VAV components, and a 50-dome theatre, among other attractions. Once completed, the NMHC is expected to emerge as a global centre for maritime history, tourism and cultural engagement, significantly contributing to India’s vision of preserving heritage while driving economic growth. Sonowal also reviewed the situation at Gulf of Straits near Iran and steps being taken for safe passage of ships bound for India. He asked officials to take all necessary steps for safe passage of India bound ships. *** Samrat/MI/IY (Release ID: 2258528) Visitor Counter : 472 Read this release in: Urdu , हिन्दी , Marathi Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews NMHC Progress, Sets July 2026 Target for Phase 1 Completion India Signs 10 MoUs with as Many Countries to Advance NMHC Global Collaboration India signs MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, Thailand for NMHC Global Outreach Sarbananda Sonowal reviews Maritime Situation in Gulf of Straits, Asks Officials to take necessary steps for safe passage of India bound Ships Posted On: 06 MAY 2026 8:15PM by PIB Delhi Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at Lothal and set July 2026 as the target for completion of Phase 1 of the project. During the review, the minister directed officials to accelerate construction activities and ensure timely completion of critical components, including panels, mural work, ceiling fabrication and flooring. Sonowal emphasised strict adherence to timelines to operationalise the complex within the stipulated deadline. “The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a landmark initiative to showcase India’s rich maritime legacy and civilisational connect with the seas. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to developing NMHC as a world-class destination that celebrates our heritage while inspiring future generations. We must ensure timely completion with the highest standards of quality,” Sonowal said. Highlighting the global dimension of the project, the minister stressed the need for collaboration with neighbouring and maritime nations, including countries from ASEAN, to showcase shared oceanic heritage and historical linkages with India. Officials were asked to actively pursue such partnerships to enhance the international profile of the complex. India has already signed 10 MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, and Thailand while 4 more countries — Italy, France, Myanmar & Cambodia — are likely to sign the MoUs for collaboration in developing NMHC as a global centre of Maritime history. Sonowal also underscored the importance of inter-ministerial coordination, directing closer collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure effective execution and positioning of NMHC as a major tourism and cultural hub. Sonowal further called for the preparation of a comprehensive calendar of events in alignment with national and state tourism departments to drive sustained visitor engagement and high footfall. In addition, the minister sought clarity on the revenue model to ensure sustainable maintenance and long-term viability of the complex. “NMHC is not just an infrastructure project — it is a tribute to India’s maritime spirit and a gateway to understanding our historical global connections. With Prime Minister Modi ji’s unwavering focus on development and cultural preservation, we are building a platform that will strengthen tourism, generate economic opportunities and reinforce India’s identity as a maritime nation,” Sonowal added. Phase 1A of the project, targeted for completion by July this year, includes six museum galleries, the Lothal township, aquatic theming, common area theming, a jetty walkway and the display of Indian Navy artefacts. The next phase, Phase 1B, will see an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore and will include eight additional museum galleries, a lighthouse museum, the Bageecha complex, Lothal–NI–VAV components, and a 50-dome theatre, among other attractions. Once completed, the NMHC is expected to emerge as a global centre for maritime history, tourism and cultural engagement, significantly contributing to India’s vision of preserving heritage while driving economic growth. Sonowal also reviewed the situation at Gulf of Straits near Iran and steps being taken for safe passage of ships bound for India. He asked officials to take all necessary steps for safe passage of India bound ships. *** Samrat/MI/IY (Release ID: 2258528) India Signs 10 MoUs with as Many Countries to Advance NMHC Global Collaboration India signs MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, Thailand for NMHC Global Outreach Sarbananda Sonowal reviews Maritime Situation in Gulf of Straits, Asks Officials to take necessary steps for safe passage of India bound Ships" />  Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at Lothal and set July 2026 as the target for completion of Phase 1 of the project. During the review, the minister directed officials to accelerate construction activities and ensure timely completion of critical components, including panels, mural work, ceiling fabrication and flooring. Sonowal emphasised strict adherence to timelines to operationalise the complex within the stipulated deadline. “The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a landmark initiative to showcase India’s rich maritime legacy and civilisational connect with the seas. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to developing NMHC as a world-class destination that celebrates our heritage while inspiring future generations. We must ensure timely completion with the highest standards of quality,” Sonowal said. Highlighting the global dimension of the project, the minister stressed the need for collaboration with neighbouring and maritime nations, including countries from ASEAN, to showcase shared oceanic heritage and historical linkages with India. Officials were asked to actively pursue such partnerships to enhance the international profile of the complex. India has already signed 10 MoUs with Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Portugal, Vietnam, Oman, Israel, and Thailand while 4 more countries — Italy, France, Myanmar & Cambodia — are likely to sign the MoUs for collaboration in developing NMHC as a global centre of Maritime history. Sonowal also underscored the importance of inter-ministerial coordination, directing closer collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure effective execution and positioning of NMHC as a major tourism and cultural hub. Sonowal further called for the preparation of a comprehensive calendar of events in alignment with national and state tourism departments to drive sustained visitor engagement and high footfall. In addition, the minister sought clarity on the revenue model to ensure sustainable maintenance and long-term viability of the complex. “NMHC is not just an infrastructure project — it is a tribute to India’s maritime spirit and a gateway to understanding our historical global connections. With Prime Minister Modi ji’s unwavering focus on development and cultural preservation, we are building a platform that will strengthen tourism, generate economic opportunities and reinforce India’s identity as a maritime nation,” Sonowal added. Phase 1A of the project, targeted for completion by July this year, includes six museum galleries, the Lothal township, aquatic theming, common area theming, a jetty walkway and the display of Indian Navy artefacts. The next phase, Phase 1B, will see an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore and will include eight additional museum galleries, a lighthouse museum, the Bageecha complex, Lothal–NI–VAV components, and a 50-dome theatre, among other attractions. Once completed, the NMHC is expected to emerge as a global centre for maritime history, tourism and cultural engagement, significantly contributing to India’s vision of preserving heritage while driving economic growth. Sonowal also reviewed the situation at Gulf of Straits near Iran and steps being taken for safe passage of ships bound for India. He asked officials to take all necessary steps for safe passage of India bound ships. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001PZ5X.jpg" style="height:250px; width:347px" /> <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002FQU5.jpg" style="height:253px; width:381px" /> *** Samrat/MI/IY " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; } //function HandleAudio() { // if (isPlaying == true) { // //Playing already Pause it // pauseAudio(); // } else { // //Play the music // playAudio(); // } //} var synth = window.speechSynthesis; 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} p img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } h2 { font-size: 20px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } h3 { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } } /* === Film Roll Badge Styling(IFFI2025 countdown) === */ .film-roll-badge { position: absolute; top:82%; right: 20px; width: 230px; height: 70px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 18px, #6e2b8b 18px, #6e2b8b 36px ); border-top: 8px solid #9a2375; border-bottom: 8px solid #9a2375; border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); animation: moveFilm 8s linear infinite; z-index: 10; } /* film sprocket holes */ .film-roll-badge::before, .film-roll-badge::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 10px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 10px, #fff 10px, #fff 20px ); left: 0; z-index: 2; } .film-roll-badge::before { top: -4px; } .film-roll-badge::after { bottom: -4px; } .film-roll-inner { position: relative; 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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews NMHC Progress, Sets July 2026 Target for Phase 1 Completion

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