Lothal: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal on Wednesday. His visit included a detailed tour of the NMHC, an inspection of key naval exhibits and heritage artefacts, a review of construction progress, interactions with project stakeholders, and a visit to the Varuna Naval Complex.

The NMHC at Lothal is being developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, with support from the Government of Gujarat and contributions from the Indian Navy. Spread across 400 acres, it will be one of the world’s largest maritime museums, showcasing India’s seafaring legacy and naval evolution. The complex will feature immersive galleries, including one dedicated to the history and growth of the Indian Navy. CNS also visited the historic archaeological site at Lothal, reaffirming the Navy’s connection to India’s ancient maritime heritage.

During his tour, Admiral Tripathi was shown the warship Nishank, IL-38 SD Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, naval helicopters including the UH-3H, the deck-based fighter aircraft Sea Harrier, and various naval artefacts such as the AK-176 GM, 4.5-inch GM, and ZIF-101 SAM Launcher. Heavy exhibits included missile models (P-21, BrahMos), engine models (ICE, GT), the Underwater Chariot, and the Sea Eagle missile system. He was briefed on the progress of Phase 1A of the project—expected to be completed by the end of 2025—by Rear Admiral Sathish Vasudev, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area, and Commander Ranjot Singh, Officer-in-Charge of NMHC Lothal.

The CNS also visited the newly built Varuna Naval Complex, established by the Indian Navy as an administrative and residential facility at the NMHC site. Naval personnel stationed there will oversee the project’s progress and preserve artefacts. He interacted with senior officials associated with the project, including Commodore Doraibabu, Deputy Director of the Maritime Heritage Society (MHS), and representatives of Indian Ports Rail and Ropeways Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and Tata Projects Limited. Calling the NMHC a “living testimony to India’s maritime past, present, and future,” Admiral Tripathi praised the synergy between the Navy and stakeholders, commended their efforts, and encouraged the team to maintain momentum.

Later, the CNS visited the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site at Lothal, renowned for its ancient dockyard, bead workshops, and maritime trade links with Mesopotamia and Egypt dating back nearly 4,000 years. He highlighted that Lothal’s maritime legacy continues to inspire the Indian Navy’s vision in the 21st century. DeshGujarat