CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VISITS NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE COMPLEX AT LOTHAL, GUJARAT

CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VISITS NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE COMPLEX AT LOTHAL, GUJARAT

Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, on 03 Sep 2025. 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.

CNS also visited the historic archaeological site at Lothal, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s connection to India’s rich maritime heritage.

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.

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), Underwater Chariot, and Sea Eagle missile system.

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.

The CNS also visited the newly constructed Varuna Naval Complex, built by the Indian Navy as an administrative and residential facility 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.

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.

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