Lucknow Emerges as a ‘Living Heritage Capital’ as 30 Tourism Projects Completed in One Year

Lucknow, April 24, 2026: Lucknow is steadily reinventing itself as a ‘Living Heritage Capital’, with nearly 30 tourism, religious and heritage projects completed across the city and surrounding areas during the financial year 2025-26. The large-scale upgrades have refreshed several historic temples, ghats, forts and public spaces, giving the state capital a sharper tourism identity while improving visitor facilities. The completed works are expected to enhance the experience for pilgrims, domestic tourists, weekend travellers and international visitors exploring Lucknow beyond its well-known cuisine and old-city charm. Better lighting, cleaner surroundings, improved access and upgraded public amenities now form a key part of the city’s tourism infrastructure. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said Lucknow’s heritage is being strengthened through modern facilities. “Preserving Lucknow’s historic legacy while connecting it with contemporary tourism infrastructure is our priority. The city’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy has further strengthened its global appeal. Our effort is to develop Lucknow as an ideal destination where heritage, cuisine and seamless visitor experience come together,” he said. A major share of the projects focused on spiritual and heritage circuits across the city. These include redevelopment of the Buddhist Vihar at Risaldar Park, works at Sant Ravidas Bara Birwa sites in Lal Kuan and Kanpur Road, and ghat construction and beautification at Kakraha Baba Shiv Temple in Kathwara, Bakshi Ka Talab. Along the Gomti riverfront, Lallu Mal Ghat has been upgraded, while boundary wall works were completed on Tourism Department land at Kalli Paschim. Maharaja Bijli Pasi Fort has received sound and light facilities, adding a fresh experiential dimension for visitors interested in Lucknow’s lesser-known history. Several prominent temples have also undergone beautification and visitor-focused upgrades. These include Maa Chandrika Devi temple complex, Hanuman Temple managed by Shri Mahavir Ji Trust in Aliganj, Gopeshwar Temple in Malihabad, Budheshwar Temple, Reteshwar Mahadev Temple in Sarojini Nagar, Shiv Temple at Rahmatnagar in Mohanlalganj, Badi Kali Ji Temple in Chowk and Chhohriya Mata Temple in Chinhat. Other completed works include facade lighting at Alam Bagh Kothi, development at Baba Brahmadev and Hanuman Temple in Gan Baroli village, upgradation of Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management in Gomti Nagar, works at Ghatghata Baba pilgrimage site, Dhurdhuri Talab on Mohan Road, Aishbagh Ramlila Ground, Imli Ban Baba Temple in Anaura Kala, Chander Nagar Gate, six sites in the Cantonment area, Mankameshwar Upvan Ghat and the ancient Mahakaleshwar Temple in Kumhrava village. Officials said the projects are aimed not only at beautification, but also at creating a more organised visitor ecosystem. Cleaner public areas, safer movement zones, modern illumination and better signage have been integrated wherever possible. Jaiveer Singh said the objective goes beyond construction. “We want visitors to receive a complete and comfortable tourism experience. These projects will generate employment at the local level, support small businesses and strengthen the regional economy,” he said. Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat said the completed projects have modernised Lucknow’s tourism backbone. “From the upgraded airport tourist information centre to improved temples, ghats and public landmarks, visitor convenience and safety have been prioritised. Lucknow is emerging as a more organised and attractive urban tourism destination. In the next phase, smart and digital features will be added to further strengthen the city’s tourism profile,” he said. With heritage revival, spiritual circuits and urban upgrades moving together, Lucknow is expanding its identity from a city of monuments to a city of lived experiences.