Chief Of Navy Visits National Maritime Heritage Complex In Lothal
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, CNS visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The Chief of the Naval Staff plays a very important role in shaping India’s maritime policies. Admiral Tripathi’s visit highlights the Navy’s interest in connecting its modern strength with the country’s ancient maritime traditions. Lothal has always been seen as one of the oldest maritime trade centers in the world, making it an ideal place for such a heritage complex.
The visit included a comprehensive tour of the NMHC, a visit to key naval exhibits and heritage artefacts, a review of construction progress, interaction with project stakeholders, and a visit to the Varuna Naval Complex.
The NMHC has been under construction for several years and is designed to be a world-class destination. Such large projects require constant monitoring and coordination. The presence of naval chiefs ensures transparency and timely progress. The Varuna Naval Complex is also key because it will serve as a support hub for the heritage site, offering both security and technical support. CNS also visited the historic archaeological site at Lothal, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s connection to India’s rich maritime heritage.
Lothal, which dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, was once a thriving dockyard city. Archaeologists believe Lothal’s dock was one of the earliest in the world, proving that ancient India had advanced knowledge of trade and navigation. By visiting this site, Admiral Tripathi highlighted how the Navy is inspired not only by modern technology but also by ancient wisdom. The NMHC at Lothal is a landmark project being developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with the support of the Government of Gujarat and the contribution of the Indian Navy. Spread over 400 acres, it will be one of the largest maritime museums in the world. The project aims to showcase India’s rich seafaring legacy and its naval evolution, with immersive galleries including one dedicated to the evolution of the Indian Navy.
Globally, maritime museums such as the National Maritime Museum in London and Mystic Seaport Museum in the USA are popular educational sites. The NMHC at Lothal is expected to attract international attention. Covering 400 acres, it will not only show India’s naval history but also strengthen tourism in Gujarat, boosting the local economy. During his visit, CNS was given a walkthrough tour of the warship Nishank, the IL-38 SD Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, Naval helicopters including the UH-3H, deck-based fighter aircraft Sea Harrier, and a range of naval artefacts such as AK-176 GM, 4.5-inch GM, ZIF 101 SAM Launcher. Heavy artefacts on display include missile models (P-21, BrahMos), engine models (ICE, GT), the Underwater Chariot, and the Sea Eagle missile system.
These displays connect India’s naval technology of the past and present. The Sea Harrier, for example, was once the pride of the Indian Navy’s aviation wing. The BrahMos missile remains one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world. Exhibiting such assets will allow students, researchers, and common visitors to appreciate India’s progress in defence and technology. CNS was briefed by RAdm Sathish Vasudev, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area, along with Cdr Ranjot Singh, Officer-in-Charge, NMHC Lothal, on the progress of Phase 1A, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Phase 1A will likely include the most important exhibits and facilities. Large projects like this are often built in phases so that some sections can be opened for public visits early while the rest continue to develop. This will help generate public interest and funding support.
The CNS also visited the newly constructed Varuna Naval Complex, built by the Indian Navy as a base office cum accommodation at the NMHC site. The Naval personnel stationed there will closely monitor the project’s progress and maintain the Naval artefacts. He met with the senior officials associated with the ongoing project including Commodore Doraibabu, Deputy Director, Maritime Heritage Society (MHS), and representatives of Indian Ports, Rail and Ropeways Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and Tata Projects Limited. Describing NMHC as a “living testimony to India’s maritime past, present, and future,” CNS commended the synergy between the Navy and stakeholders, praised their efforts, and encouraged the team to maintain momentum. The involvement of Tata Projects Limited and IPRCL shows how public-private partnerships are crucial for completing heritage projects. Maintaining naval artefacts requires expertise and constant supervision, making the role of stationed personnel very important.
CNS also visited the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site at Lothal, which is renowned for its ancient dockyard, bead workshops, and maritime trade links with Mesopotamia and Egypt dating back nearly 4,000 years. He emphasised that Lothal’s maritime legacy continues to inspire the Indian Navy’s vision in the 21st century.
The dockyard at Lothal is believed to be the world’s oldest known dock. It connects India’s history with civilisations far away, like Mesopotamia. This shows that India’s global trade links go back thousands of years. By linking this legacy to the modern Navy, Admiral Tripathi reminded everyone that India has always been a strong maritime nation and continues to carry that spirit into modern defence strategies.
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