The cities of India, which mark historical significance, house extraordinary monuments depicting the country's rich cultural heritage. To facilitate the preservation of these cities, the Indian government launched the HRIDAY scheme full form, which is the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana. The HRIDAY scheme launch date is 21st January 2015; it aims to improve access for residents and tourists while developing urban areas and conserving the city’s heritage.
Read the article to learn more about the government scheme, ranging from its meaning and objectives to benefits, the Hriday scheme 12 cities, and implementation.
Overview
The HRIDAY Yojana (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India to integrate heritage conservation with urban infrastructure development in culturally rich cities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Scheme Name | HRIDAY Scheme 2025 |
| Hriday Scheme Full Form | National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana |
| Hriday Scheme Launch Date | 21st January 2015 |
| Hriday Scheme Under Which Ministry? | Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
| Focus | Heritage conservation, infrastructure, sanitation, and tourism |
| Approved Outlay | ₹500 crore (initial), Total projects worth ₹422 crore approved |
| Hriday scheme 12 cities | 12 Heritage Cities across India |
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What Is The HRIDAY Scheme 2025?
The central government started the Hriday Yojana in 2015. to enhance the uniqueness of various heritage cities in India by preserving and revitalising them. The Hriday Scheme Full Form is National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, which covers all the necessities along with the urban infrastructural development in the core heritage zones. It addresses both cultural and historical preservation. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs operates this scheme, which is akin to the Smart Cities initiative in terms of having a mission-driven, measurable framework.
An important component for improving the tourist interest and overall living experience is the enhancement of safety and accessibility to heritage zones alongside the development of roads, waste management, drainage systems, water supply, sanitation, and street lighting.
What Are The HRIDAY Scheme 12 Cities List?
The following Hriday scheme 12 cities were selected under the Hriday Yojana for development:
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Varanasi
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Amritsar
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Ajmer
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Mathura
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Gaya
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Dwarka
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Puri
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Velankanni
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Kanchipuram
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Warangal
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Badami
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Amravati
Each of these cities holds religious, historical, or cultural importance and was chosen for its potential in heritage-based development.
What Are The Statement Of HRIDAY Yojana?
The scheme’s core idea is to "Preserve and revitalise the soul of the heritage city to reflect its unique character by encouraging an aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative, and secure environment."
It promotes the strategic and planned development of heritage cities, aiming to uplift urban infrastructure while retaining the city’s cultural identity.
Objectives Of HRIDAY Yojana
HRIDAY Scheme 2025 initiative was started by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for the preservation and restoration of strategic urban areas and infrastructure towards cities rich in Indian heritage.
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Scheduled execution of infrastructure works in the eligible zones of the city.
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Restoration of Heritage Sites with Improved Value for Tourism.
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Classify comprehensive surveying of the assets of cultural, natural, and built heritage.
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Improve sanitation, safety and water supply facilities for tourists.
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Establishing Heritage Structures Maintenance Public Company.
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Encourage the fostering and employment in local industries related to heritage.
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Using Information Communication Technologies like GIS mapping, CCTV, or even screens for modern informative tourism.
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Enhancement of heritage site access and roads for universal design.
Components Of HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY scheme 2025 is designed with a multi-dimensional approach to urban heritage development.
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Physical infrastructure: Roads, lighting, drainage, sanitation.
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Social infrastructure: Tourist amenities, public spaces.
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Heritage revitalisation: Restoration of historical structures.
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Urban planning: Integration of heritage concerns into city plans.
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Technology integration: Digital mapping, online tourist information systems.
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Livelihood support: Capacity building for local artisans and small businesses.
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Implementation Of HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY Scheme (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) is implemented in a structured and mission-driven manner to ensure effective conservation of heritage while upgrading essential infrastructure in identified cities.
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The Hriday Yojana under which ministry is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
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Projects are executed in collaboration with state and local bodies, with inputs from the Ministry of Culture.
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Each city receives funding based on approved Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
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Implementation is monitored using a mission-based approach, with set targets and periodic reviews.
As of January 2019, the scheme had completed four years, with ₹422 crore worth of projects approved and ₹140.14 crore worth of work completed.
What Are The Benefits Of The HRIDAY Scheme?
The HRIDAY Yojana offers a well-rounded approach to urban heritage conservation, blending cultural pride with modern urban development.
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Preserves India’s rich heritage and promotes cultural pride.
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Increases tourism, thereby boosting local income and jobs.
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Enhances civic services like sanitation, water, and waste management.
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Revives traditional industries and local crafts.
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Brings in private sector investment through public-private partnerships.
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Makes heritage areas safer, more accessible, and more informative.
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Improves connectivity and ease of movement for locals and tourists.
Impacts of HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY Scheme has had a transformative impact on India’s heritage cities by combining infrastructure upgrades with heritage conservation.
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Urban Infrastructure Boost: Upgraded roads, lighting, and drainage in core heritage zones.
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Tourism Footfall: Improved facilities led to increased domestic and international tourism.
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Heritage Restoration: Many neglected sites were restored or adapted for modern use.
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Clean Environment: Integrated sanitation and waste management brought hygiene improvements.
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Digital Empowerment: GIS mapping, digital kiosks, and information systems were introduced.
Outcomes Of The HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY Yojana has successfully demonstrated how heritage preservation can drive urban transformation.
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Better livelihood opportunities in heritage towns.
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Stronger economic linkages between culture and development.
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Inclusion of local communities in city development.
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Blueprint for future heritage-based urban planning.
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Model for integrating heritage into India’s Smart City vision.
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Conclusion
The HRIDAY yojana represents a pioneering attempt to blend cultural conservation with modern urban planning. By protecting our past, we build a more informed, sustainable, and liveable future for millions of Indians. For policymakers, tourists, residents, and entrepreneurs alike, the scheme offers an example of how heritage and development can move forward together.
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