Union Budget 2026-27 Gives Major Push to Heritage Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 has delivered a significant boost to heritage tourism in Uttar Pradesh by including two of the state's most iconic archaeological sites—Sarnath and Hastinapur—among a list of 15 locations across India proposed for development as experiential cultural destinations. This strategic move aims to transform these ancient sites into world-class heritage hubs while preserving their historical and spiritual essence.
Official Welcome and Political Reactions
Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, warmly welcomed the budgetary announcement, stating that it reflects the Central government's steadfast commitment to preserving India's rich civilisational heritage. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is poised to play a central role in the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
"The inclusion of Sarnath and Hastinapur reinforces Uttar Pradesh's position as a leading cultural and spiritual destination in the country," Singh remarked. He extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for giving prominence to the state's cultural legacy in the national budget.
Detailed Development Plans for the Sites
The development plans for these two sites are comprehensive and designed to enhance the visitor experience while safeguarding their historical sanctity.
Sarnath: Known as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, Sarnath will see substantial upgrades. These include improved visitor facilities, curated walkways, interpretation centres, and technology-enabled storytelling to bring its profound Buddhist heritage to life for pilgrims, scholars, and tourists alike.
Hastinapur: The ancient capital of the Kuru dynasty during the Mahabharata era, Hastinapur will be developed into a comprehensive heritage destination. The focus will be on scientific conservation of its archaeological remains, upgraded amenities for visitors, and structured interpretation to narrate its epic historical narratives.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Mixed Feedback
Venerable Bhante Sumitha Nanda Thero, Head Monk at the Maha Bodhi Society of India's Sarnath Centre, expressed his approval of the Budget's focus. "Sensitive development that preserves its sanctity while enhancing understanding will help pilgrims, scholars, and visitors connect more deeply with the message of peace and compassion," he noted, highlighting the spiritual significance of the initiative.
However, private tour operator Prateek Hira offered a more nuanced view, describing the allocations as a mixed bag. "While infrastructure development is positive, the publicity budget is low, almost equal to a private company's spend, which could hamper foreign tourist inflow," he cautioned, pointing to potential challenges in marketing these enhanced destinations globally.
Broader Implications for Tourism and Connectivity
Minister Singh further elaborated on the broader benefits of this initiative. He highlighted that enhanced rail connectivity through cultural regions, coupled with supportive policies, would promote seamless travel circuits across Uttar Pradesh. This is expected to boost tourist movement significantly, generate local employment opportunities, and consolidate the state's position as India's premier destination for cultural and heritage tourism.
The Budget 2026-27's focus on these sites underscores a growing emphasis on experiential tourism, where visitors can immerse themselves in India's ancient history and spiritual traditions. As Uttar Pradesh prepares to implement these developments, the move is set to not only preserve the past but also drive economic growth and cultural appreciation in the region.
