Ahmedabad, September 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on Friday to review the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) being built at Lothal, a Harappan-era site once known as a major port and trading hub.
Officials said Modi will inspect work completed so far and hold a detailed review meeting with state and central authorities overseeing the project.
Lothal, in Ahmedabad district, is famed for housing what is believed to be the world’s oldest man-made dockyard. It served as a thriving centre for trade and ship repair around 5,000 years ago during the Indus Valley civilisation. The heritage complex is designed to blend history, education, research and entertainment, using digital and interactive technology to recreate the city’s ancient maritime legacy.
Built to international standards, the NMHC is positioned to rank among the world’s leading museums. Authorities say it will not only showcase India’s seafaring past but also provide a boost to the economy of the Bhal region, generating jobs and supporting local cottage industries.
“The National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal will be a vital initiative to preserve the city’s historical legacy,” an official said. During his Gujarat trip, Modi is also scheduled to address a public rally in Bhavnagar.