New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a defence public sector undertaking, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to support conservation and development works at three prominent heritage sites in India — Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala.
HAL has accorded in-principle approval for financial support of ₹23.60 crore for these projects over the financial years 2026–27 to 2028–29. The initiative aims to preserve India’s cultural heritage, improve visitor amenities and promote sustainable heritage tourism.
The agreement was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02 in New Delhi on October 13, 2026, in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (Human Resources) at HAL, signed the agreement on behalf of the company. Senior officials from HAL, NCF and ASI also attended the event.
HAL to Fund Conservation and Development at Three Heritage Sites
The agreement covers conservation, preservation and site-development works at Hampi, the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort. The projects are intended to protect these historically significant locations while improving facilities for visitors.
The initiative reflects a collaborative approach involving government institutions and a public sector enterprise to support heritage conservation and the responsible development of tourism infrastructure.
The proposed works will be implemented in coordination with the participating institutions, with the ASI providing technical guidance and supervision to ensure compliance with established conservation principles and prescribed standards.
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Hampi Heritage Project to Cover North and South Bazaar Areas
At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, the proposed interventions will focus on the historic North Bazaar and South Bazaar areas. The development works will extend approximately 270 metres in the North Bazaar area and 250 metres in the South Bazaar area.
The project aims to support the conservation and development of these historic areas while contributing to the preservation of Hampi’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort to Receive Conservation Support
The projects at the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala will focus on approved conservation and site-development works in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India.
The planned interventions aim to preserve the historical significance of both sites and improve visitor amenities. All works will be undertaken under the ASI’s technical guidance and supervision to ensure that conservation activities follow the prescribed norms.
The initiative is expected to strengthen efforts to protect India’s heritage assets while supporting a better visitor experience and sustainable heritage tourism.
NCF to Coordinate Project Implementation With HAL and ASI
Under the agreement, the National Culture Fund will facilitate the implementation of the projects in coordination with HAL and the ASI. The ASI will provide technical guidance and supervision to ensure that the conservation and development activities adhere to established heritage conservation principles.
Established by the Ministry of Culture, the National Culture Fund facilitates partnerships between the government and the corporate sector for the conservation and promotion of India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The collaboration brings together HAL’s corporate social responsibility efforts and the expertise of the country’s heritage institutions to support the long-term preservation of historically important sites.
HAL’s Initiative to Support India’s Cultural Heritage
HAL’s financial commitment of ₹23.60 crore reflects its corporate social responsibility focus on heritage conservation and preservation. By supporting projects at Hampi, the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort, the company aims to contribute to safeguarding India’s cultural legacy for future generations.
The initiative also highlights the role of public sector enterprises in collaborating with government institutions to protect historic monuments, improve visitor facilities and promote sustainable tourism.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The company is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines and related aerospace systems. Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, HAL also supports activities that contribute to social development and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.
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