In a significant push to position India's ancient heritage on the world stage, the Central Government has earmarked a substantial Rs 500 crore for the comprehensive development of Rakhigarhi, one of the largest sites of the Harappan civilisation. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made the announcement, declaring the ambitious plan to transform the archaeological site into a prestigious global landmark.
A Vision for Global Recognition
Chief Minister Saini revealed the funding details while addressing the gathering at the second state-level Rakhigarhi Mahotsav on Thursday, December 26, 2025. He emphasized that the initiative is a coordinated effort between the Centre and the Haryana state government. The project's core objective is to elevate Rakhigarhi's status, ensuring it gains prominent placement on both national and international tourism maps while bolstering India's archaeological prestige worldwide.
"It stands as a living symbol of India's ancient and glorious civilization," Saini stated. He described Rakhigarhi as representing one of the most advanced urban centres of the Harappan civilization, which thrived thousands of years ago with evidence of sophisticated town planning, sanitation, and water management systems.
Blueprints for a World-Class Destination
The transformation plan for Rakhigarhi is multi-faceted and designed to attract scholars and tourists from across the globe. According to CM Saini, the blueprint includes several key components:
- Construction of a world-class archaeological museum.
- Establishment of a dedicated research institute for in-depth study.
- Development of improved tourist facilities and enhanced overall infrastructure.
These initiatives are expected to not only draw international visitors but also generate substantial employment opportunities for local youth and provide a significant boost to the regional economy. Saini reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to developing Rakhigarhi as an international hub for tourism and research.
On-Ground Developments and Social Insights
During the event, the Chief Minister took a concrete step by inaugurating the Harappan Knowledge Centre, aimed at deepening public understanding of the Indus-Saraswati civilisation. He also announced immediate benefits for local communities, declaring a grant of Rs 21 lakh each for the development of Rakhigarhi and Rakhi Shahpur villages. Furthermore, he assured that all demands put forward by the local panchayats would be forwarded to concerned departments for prompt action.
Drawing insightful parallels between the ancient past and the present, Saini highlighted that archaeological findings suggest women in Harappan society enjoyed respect and equal opportunities. "The daughters of Haryana continue this legacy by excelling in sports, education, science, administration, and the armed forces," he said, linking the findings to the state's current focus on women's empowerment through various schemes.
Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma noted that the nearly 7,000-year-old Rakhigarhi civilization showcases urban planning principles that remain relevant today. The state is also actively pursuing the inclusion of Rakhigarhi in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A modern museum built at a cost of Rs 22 crore already exists at the site.
CM Saini placed this project within the broader context of India's cultural resurgence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, citing other heritage initiatives like Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "This is a new India that draws inspiration from its past to build a prosperous future," he concluded, marking a historic step in preserving and promoting one of humanity's earliest urban cultures.
