Vizag to Get State’s First Lighthouse Museum

Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the Third Indian Lighthouse Festival, the Minister said India will host the General Assembly of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) for the first time in January 2027, with participation from 42 member countries, reflecting India’s growing global leadership in maritime navigation.

Sonowal said lighthouse tourism has witnessed significant growth, with visitor numbers rising from about four lakh in 2014 to nearly 20 lakh at present, following the development of 75 lighthouses as tourist destinations. Building on this success, the ministry plans to develop 25 more lighthouses across the country.

The final day of the Lighthouse Festival was marked by cultural programmes, stalls and entertainment activities. Over the past two days, Visakhapatnam emerged as a major centre showcasing India’s maritime heritage, drawing large public participation, including families, youth, students, artists and tourists.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Minister stressed the need to preserve and showcase India’s maritime legacy for future generations. He also spoke about the National Maritime Heritage Complex being developed at Lothal in Gujarat over 375 acres at an estimated cost of ₹4,500 crore, with several countries already signing MoUs for collaboration. A 77-metre-high lighthouse at the complex will symbolise India’s maritime past, present and future.

Minister of state for petroleum and natural gas and tourism Suresh Gopi praised Sonowal’s efforts to transform lighthouses into inclusive, community-focused tourism hubs, noting their importance as symbols of history and nationhood.