New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has approved in-principle financial support of ₹23.60 crore for conservation and development works at three prominent Indian heritage sites—Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala.
The initiative is being undertaken through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by HAL, the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on October 13. The projects are scheduled to receive financial support over the financial years 2026–27 to 2028–29.
The agreement was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02 in New Delhi in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (Human Resources), signed the MoA on behalf of HAL.
The proposed works aim to conserve the heritage sites, support their development and improve visitor amenities, with ASI providing technical guidance and supervision.
Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort to Receive Conservation Support
The collaboration covers three heritage destinations with distinct historical and architectural significance. The scope of work will vary by site, with the projects to be implemented in consultation with ASI.
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The key locations and proposed interventions are:
- Hampi, Karnataka: Conservation and development interventions in the historic North and South Bazaar areas.
- Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Approved conservation and site-development works in consultation with ASI.
- Bekal Fort, Kerala: Approved conservation and site-development works under ASI’s technical guidance.
At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proposed development works in the North Bazaar area will extend approximately 270 metres, while those in the South Bazaar area will cover around 250 metres.
HAL’s ₹23.60 Crore Support to Cover Three Financial Years
HAL has accorded in-principle approval for financial assistance totalling ₹23.60 crore for the projects between FY 2026–27 and FY 2028–29.
The proposed funding is intended to support conservation, preservation and improvements to visitor facilities at the three sites.
Key details of the agreement:
- Corporate partner: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Implementing partner: National Culture Fund (NCF)
- Technical supervision: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Approved in-principle support: ₹23.60 crore
- Funding period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2028–29
- Heritage sites covered: Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort
The financial support has received in-principle approval; the release does not specify individual project budgets or completion dates.
NCF to Coordinate Implementation With HAL and ASI
The National Culture Fund, established by the Ministry of Culture, facilitates partnerships between the government and corporate organisations for the conservation and promotion of India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Under the agreement, NCF will facilitate implementation of the projects in coordination with HAL and ASI.
ASI will provide technical guidance and supervision to ensure that the work follows established conservation principles and prescribed standards.
The arrangement brings together corporate financial support, coordination through NCF and the conservation expertise of ASI.
HAL Expands Its Corporate Social Responsibility Contribution
The heritage initiative forms part of HAL’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
By supporting conservation and site-development works at the three locations, the company is contributing to efforts to preserve historic sites while improving facilities for visitors.
The agreement also reflects a collaborative approach to heritage conservation, in which public institutions and corporate organisations work together to support the protection of India’s cultural assets.
The projects at Hampi, the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort will be carried out under ASI’s technical supervision, with NCF coordinating implementation alongside HAL.
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