Union Budget 2026 Promises ₹500 Crore for Rakhigarhi Amid Local Skepticism
Updated (2 articles)
Budget Announcement and Heritage Programme Expansion The 2026 Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earmarks development for 15 archaeological sites, including Rakhigarhi, Lothal, Dholavira and Sarnath, with plans for curated walkways, immersive storytelling and interpretation centres [1]. The budget frames Rakhigarhi as a “vibrant, experiential cultural destination” to attract global visitors [1].
State Government Grants and Knowledge Centre Launch At the second State‑level Rakhigarhi Mahotsav, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a ₹500 crore central grant to transform the site into a global landmark and inaugurated the Harappan Knowledge Centre on the same day [1]. The grant is positioned as a central contribution complementing state‑level efforts [1].
Infrastructure Progress and Museum Near Completion Deputy Director Narender of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums reported that a hostel, guest house and cafeteria were built and opened last year, and that civil work on a museum is “almost complete” with a detailed project report valued at ₹206 crore targeting full completion by 2027 [1]. These constructions represent the most substantial physical upgrades since the 1996 boundary wall [1].
Local Skepticism Over Past Inaction and Funding Gaps Residents of Rakhigarhi expressed doubt, recalling that the 2020‑21 budget promise yielded little on‑ground work and that villagers did not receive promised sweets five years earlier [1]. Zila parishad member Dinesh Sheoran noted only a shed on mound 4, a 500‑square‑yard plot and the 1996 painted wall have been erected by the ASI, which has spent roughly ₹1 crore and received no separate central allocation for the project [1].
Timeline
1871 – The Revenue Divisional Office in Tiruvallur is built as a two‑storeyed red structure covering about 12,142 sq ft, showcasing Indo‑Saracenic and colonial architectural styles[2].
1996 – The ASI erects a shed on mound 4, a 500‑square‑yard plot and paints a boundary wall at Rakhigarhi, the only permanent structures from that period[1].
2020‑21 – The Union Budget announces a heritage upgrade for Rakhigarhi, promising development that later sees little follow‑up, fueling local scepticism[1].
Dec 15, 2025 – The district administration and PWD Heritage Wing approve a ₹4.5 crore plan to restore the dilapidated 3,660‑sq‑ft Karveti Nagar Raja Bungalow and convert it into a heritage tourism site[2].
2026 (planned) – The Revenue Divisional Office in Tiruvallur is slated for an ₹8 crore restoration next year, to be executed by the Building Centre and Conservation Division[2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget expands a heritage programme to 15 archaeological sites, including Rakhigarhi, with curated walkways, immersive storytelling and new interpretation centres[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – Residents of Rakhigarhi voice scepticism, recalling that “little work followed the similar 2020‑21 announcement” and that sweets were not distributed as promised five years earlier[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – Zila parishad member Dinesh Sheoran says, “Only a shed on mound 4, a 500‑square‑yard plot, and a painted boundary wall from 1996 have been erected by the ASI,” highlighting minimal progress[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – An ASI Chandigarh Circle official confirms the agency has spent about ₹1 crore on Rakhigarhi and that the central government “has not allocated a separate budget” for its development[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – Deputy Director Narender reports that a hostel, guest house and cafeteria were inaugurated by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini last year, civil work on the museum is “almost complete,” and a ₹206 crore detailed project report targets full completion by 2027[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – Haryana Chief Minister announces a ₹500 crore central grant to make Rakhigarhi a global landmark and inaugurates the Harappan Knowledge Centre at the second State‑level Rakhigarhi Mahotsav[1].
2027 (expected) – The Rakhigarhi museum is slated for full completion, fulfilling the detailed project report’s timeline and the Union Budget’s heritage objectives[1].