HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana
HRIDAY was a central government scheme (2015–2019) that funded infrastructure improvements — roads, water, sanitation, lighting, and public spaces — around heritage, religious, and cultural sites in 12 selected Indian cities. The scheme is now closed to new applicants and operated entirely through city administrations and local bodies. No individual applications were required.
About This Scheme
HRIDAY was a central government scheme (2015–2019) that funded infrastructure improvements — roads, water, sanitation, lighting, and public spaces — around heritage, religious, and cultural sites in 12 selected Indian cities. The scheme is now closed to new applicants and operated entirely through city administrations and local bodies. No individual applications were required.
Full official description
Launched on 21st January 2015, the scheme "National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana", also known as "HRIDAY" is a central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism. The scheme was introduced to bring together urban planning, economic growth, and heritage conservation in an inclusive manner & to preserve the heritage character of the city. The mission period of the scheme ended on 31st March 2019. The scheme supported the development of core heritage-linked civic infrastructure projects, which include the revitalization of urban infrastructure for areas around the heritage, religious, cultural, and tourism assets of the cities. These initiatives include the development of water supply, sanitation, drainage, waste management, approach roads, footpaths, street lights, tourist conveniences, electricity wiring, landscaping, and such citizen services.
Benefits
- Improved civic infrastructure (roads, water supply, drainage, lighting) near heritage and cultural sites
- Better tourist amenities including signage, interpretation centres, and footpaths
- Economic opportunities through increased tourism and cultural events
- Heritage conservation support benefiting local communities, artisans, and businesses
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- No individual or organizational eligibility — scheme operated only through selected Heritage Cities
- 12 cities were selected by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- The scheme mission period ended on 31 March 2019; no new projects are being funded
How to Apply
The citizens need not apply to this scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the composition of the City Level Mission Directorate under the HRIDAY scheme?
The City Level Mission Directorate is chaired by an officer not below the rank of Chief Executive Officer/Municipal Commissioner of the ULB. It serves as a full-fledged project implementation unit, working as an extended arm of the National Level Mission Directorate.
What are the broad thematic areas of focus under the HRIDAY scheme?
The HRIDAY scheme focuses on four thematic areas: Physical Infrastructure, Institutional Infrastructure, Economic Infrastructure, and Social Infrastructure, aimed at reviving and revitalizing the soul of heritage cities.
How are projects funded under the HRIDAY scheme?
Projects under the HRIDAY scheme can be funded directly or through support from other stakeholders, including the private sector. The scheme provides an indicative list of components that can be funded based on the needs of the city.
What are the key components of the HRIDAY scheme?
The HRIDAY scheme includes components such as heritage documentation and mapping, heritage revitalization, city information/knowledge management and skill development, and memorandum of agreements for effective project implementation.
What role does the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) play in the HRIDAY scheme?
The NIUA serves as the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) for the HRIDAY scheme and functions as a secretariat for the Mission Directorate.
What are the key steps cities need to take to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme?
Cities are required to prepare a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) and develop Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for identified projects to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme.
What is the objective of the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme?
The main objective of the HRIDAY scheme is to preserve the soul of heritage cities and facilitate inclusive heritage-linked urban development, focusing on various aspects such as infrastructure, tourism, livelihoods, and cultural identity.
What is the funding arrangement for the HRIDAY scheme?
The HRIDAY scheme is a central sector scheme with 100 percent funding provided by the Central Government.
What are the key steps cities need to take to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme?
Cities are required to prepare a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) and develop Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for identified projects to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme.
Who is responsible for developing the Heritage Management Plan and Detailed Project Reports for cities under the HRIDAY scheme?
The Heritage Management Plan (HMP) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) may be developed by the National Mission Directorate/City Mission Directorate through various agencies such as Public Works Organizations (PWOs), Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Central Public Sector Units (CPSUs), State Para-statals, and reputable NGOs.
What are the key responsibilities of the Mission Directorate in the HRIDAY scheme?
The Mission Directorate plans, develops, and implements the HRIDAY scheme. It collaborates with states, ULBs, and institutes for heritage management plans, DPRs, and project implementation. It also monitors progress, facilitates coordination, and ensures financial management.
How are City Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees (CLAMCs) constituted under HRIDAY?
CLAMCs are chaired by the DM/Municipal Commissioner and include stakeholders like elected representatives, officials, and representatives from CBOs/NGOs. They oversee project performance, facilitate coordination, and recommend corrections as needed.
What is the composition of the City Level Mission Directorate in HRIDAY?
The City Level Mission Directorate, chaired by a senior officer, implements projects at the city level. It is supported by a PMU comprising urban planners, heritage specialists, engineers, financial experts, and support staff. Their roles include project implementation, coordination, and monitoring.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- There are no document requirements for this scheme.