NEW DELHI: A major revamp of Purana Qila is on the cards as Center rolls out its Rs 1,481-crore ‘DESH’ (Development and Enhancement of Sanskritik-Sampada and Heritage) scheme, announced in the 2026-27 Budget, to upgrade 15 archaeological sites into modern, visitor-friendly heritage spaces.With tenders already issued for all identified locations, the project has entered the execution phase, marking the first on-ground push for what is being seen as a shift in how India presents its heritage.For Delhi, the changes are expected to be most visible at Purana Qila, a site associated with over 3,000 years of continuous settlement and widely identified with the ancient city of Indraprastha. Holding layers of history from early settlements to the Mughal period, the redevelopment aims to make this long, complex past easier to understand for visitors, who currently navigate the site with limited context.Plans include opening up excavated areas in a more structured manner, with protective coverings to preserve remains and clearly defined pathways to guide movement. Visitors will be able to follow curated routes explaining how the site evolved over centuries, supported by interpretation systems designed to make the history more accessible.“Tenders have been issued for preparing DPRs and the focus is on presenting excavated remains in a way that people can easily understand. We plan to use tensile covers to protect and showcase these areas, while strengthening interpretation through museums and on-site storytelling, especially at Purana Qila,” said Vasant Kumar Swarnkar, regional director (north), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).The approach will vary across sites depending on their needs, he added. “At several locations such as Jhansi, Udayagiri and Adichanallur, new museums have been proposed while existing museums at sites like Sarnath will be expanded. Places like Hastinapur will see development of interpretation centres. The aim is to make these heritage sites more accessible, informative and engaging for visitors without disturbing their core structure,” he said.Officials said the broader idea is to move away from static displays and create more engaging experiences. Instead of relying only on signboards, the project will use digital tools, immersive storytelling and interactive elements to help visitors connect with the site’s past.Spending under the scheme is spread across civil works, curation and technology. This includes developing basic infrastructure, such as pathways and landscaping, designing how historical narratives are presented, and installing digital systems like interactive displays and immersive galleries.The DESH scheme covers 15 sites across the country, ranging from Harappan-era centers such as Lothal and Dholavira to historically significant locations like Sarnath and Chittorgarh Fort. Many of these sites currently face issues such as outdated displays and limited interpretation, which the government hopes to address through the initiative.ASI will implement the project, supported by a project management unit and site-level teams to monitor progress and ensure timelines are met. The rollout is planned over five years starting 2026-27, beginning with design and tendering, followed by construction and curation, and final commissioning by 2030-31.Officials expect the project to boost tourism, create local employment and improve access for students and researchers. At the same time, the scale of intervention brings a key challenge – ensuring that modern additions do not disturb the archaeological integrity of the sites.
