India's Heritage Sites Get Rs 1,481 Cr Makeover

A significant Rs 1,481-crore initiative, the DESH scheme, has been launched to modernize 15 archaeological sites across India. Announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the project aims to create engaging and accessible heritage spaces for visitors. This marks a new approach to presenting India's rich history.

Purana Qila in Delhi is slated for a major transformation. The site, with its continuous settlement history spanning over 3,000 years, will feature excavated areas presented with protective coverings and structured pathways. Interpretation systems and on-site storytelling will aim to make its complex past more understandable.

Across the country, sites like Jhansi and Udayagiri will see new museums, while Sarnath's existing museum will be expanded. The scheme emphasizes moving from static displays to interactive experiences using digital tools and immersive storytelling, without altering the core structure of the sites.

The DESH scheme will be implemented over five years, starting in 2026-27, with an expected completion by 2030-31. This initiative is anticipated to boost tourism, generate local employment, and improve access for researchers, while carefully balancing development with archaeological preservation.