Historic Sites to Open New Avenues for Employment and Economic Growth
Lucknow, April 17, 2025 : In a major move to preserve and promote its rich heritage, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has initiated the adaptive reuse of 11 heritage properties across the state. A tender has been issued to invite private investors to partner in this ambitious initiative.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the goal is not only to conserve forts, palaces, and havelis, but also to use them as platforms to promote local culture, cuisine, and crafts. As part of the plan, one village near each heritage property will be adopted for holistic development.
This initiative is expected to create new job opportunities for local residents and strengthen the state’s economy. It will also help elevate Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and artisanal identity on a global platform. The department aims to give a new direction to tourism in the state through this public-private partnership model.
The tourism minister also emphasized that the government is actively working to integrate tourism with the state’s historical sites. Several forts, palaces, and mansions are being revitalized under the “Heritage with Development” mission to make them both attractive and functional. These restored sites will be repurposed into heritage hotels, public museums, and convention centers under the PPP model, making them relevant and useful in today’s context while retaining their historic value.
Among the 11 properties for which tenders have been released are significant sites such as the Tehroli Fort in Jhansi, a landmark of the 1857 uprising; the Mastani Mahal and Senapati Mahal in Mahoba, known for their historical and architectural value; and the Balabehat Fort in Lalitpur, noted for its strategic location and design.
The other heritage properties include Rangarh Fort in Banda, known for its distinct architecture; Wazirganj Baradari in Gonda, an example of Mughal-era grandeur; and iconic Lucknow sites like the Alam Bagh Palace, Gulistan-e-Iram, and Darshan Vilas, renowned for their gardens and architectural finesse.
In earlier phases, the department has already partnered with private players such as Neemrana Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (for Baruasagar Fort, Jhansi), Golden Triangle Fort and Palace Pvt. Ltd. (for Chunar Fort, Mirzapur, and heritage properties in Lucknow), and Redwood Holdings and Realty Services Pvt. Ltd. (for a Baradari near Shukla Talab, Kanpur Dehat) through concession agreements.
