Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on October 13, 2026, to undertake conservation and development works at three prominent heritage sites in India: Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala.
HAL has accorded in-principle approval for financial support of ₹23.60 crore for the projects over the financial years 2026–27 to 2028–29. The initiatives aim to conserve and preserve the historic sites while improving visitor amenities and promoting sustainable heritage tourism.
The MoA was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02, New Delhi, in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (Human Resources), signed the agreement on behalf of HAL.
At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proposed interventions will cover the historic North and South Bazaar areas, with development works extending approximately 270 metres and 250 metres, respectively. The projects at the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort will focus on approved conservation and site-development works in consultation with ASI.
The National Culture Fund, established by the Ministry of Culture, will facilitate the implementation of the projects in coordination with HAL and ASI. The works will be undertaken under ASI’s technical guidance and supervision to ensure compliance with established conservation principles and prescribed norms.
The partnership reflects HAL’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and highlights the role of public–private collaboration in protecting India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The initiative is expected to support the long-term preservation of these heritage assets while enhancing the experience of visitors and future generations.
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