Hampi's Heritage Set for Major Boost in Upcoming Union Budget
In a significant development for India's cultural heritage, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi is poised to receive substantial attention in the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27. Multiple high-level visits by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during November and December 2025 have signaled the government's serious intent to address long-standing issues and boost development at this historic location.
Strategic Visits and High-Level Consultations
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made two crucial visits to Hampi as part of the budget preparation exercise, where she conducted detailed assessments and held meetings with senior Union government officials. Following these visits, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was specifically deputed to evaluate the tourism development prospects of the heritage town, indicating a coordinated approach to Hampi's revitalization.
According to Ashwin Kothambri, President of the Vijayanagara District Chamber of Commerce, these visits were far from coincidental. "The finance minister's keen observations on even seemingly trivial aspects during her visits indicated a serious intent to address long-standing issues affecting the UNESCO site," Kothambri emphasized, highlighting the meticulous attention given to Hampi's challenges.
Comprehensive Development Proposals
The Chamber of Commerce has submitted multiple proposals to the Centre, including a significant plan for establishing an airport near Hampi to dramatically improve connectivity. Local stakeholders express optimism that key demands aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure and heritage conservation will be addressed in the upcoming budget presentation scheduled for February 1, 2026.
During her visits, Sitharaman expressed concern over several critical issues affecting the heritage site, including inadequate sanitation facilities, lack of public toilets, and poor upkeep. She specifically criticized both the local administration and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials for these deficiencies, signaling a push for improved management and maintenance standards.
Chintan Shibir: Linking History with Modern Governance
Last month, Sitharaman attended a two-day 'Chintan Shibir' in Hampi, bringing together more than 120 senior officials to discuss budgetary priorities. The brainstorming session focused on contemporary themes such as artificial intelligence, ease of doing business, and financing for a Viksit Bharat, while simultaneously exploring how to link the administrative strengths of the historic Vijayanagara Empire with modern governance principles.
The high-profile gathering included Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, secretaries of key ministries, chairpersons of the Central Board of Direct Taxes and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, the Chief Economic Adviser, and approximately 110 IAS officers. This unprecedented concentration of administrative talent in Hampi underscores the site's growing importance in national planning.
Grassroots Engagement and Future Vision
Kothambri noted that holding consultations in Hampi enabled policymakers to gain region-specific insights and understand grassroots challenges directly. Local business owners, tourism stakeholders, state-recognised tourist guides, and elected representatives presented their demands directly to the finance minister, advocating for Hampi's development as a global heritage hub.
During the discussions, Sitharaman highlighted the relevance of the Vijayanagara Empire's ideals in shaping India's vision for 2047, suggesting that lessons from this historic civilization could inform contemporary governance approaches. This philosophical connection between past and future adds depth to the practical development plans being considered for the heritage site.
As budget preparations intensify, the multiple engagements in Hampi point toward a comprehensive approach that balances heritage conservation with modern infrastructure development, potentially creating a model for other UNESCO sites across India while boosting tourism and local economic opportunities in the Vijayanagara region.
