The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has approved an ambitious Heritage City project in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Spanning 2,965 acres and costing an estimated INR 6,000 crore, the project aims to transform the region into a major cultural and tourism destination. Key features include a convention center, yoga center, revived natural water bodies, and a new expressway connecting the site to the Banke Bihari Temple. The phased development and public-private partnership model suggest a sustainable approach to heritage conservation and urban development. The project is expected to boost religious tourism in the Mathura region by providing improved facilities and infrastructure for Hindu devotees.
Overview
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of the Heritage City project along the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious project aims to transform the region into a major cultural and tourism destination by preserving and showcasing the area’s rich heritage.
Key Features and Facilities
The Heritage City project will be developed across 2,965.2 acres of land at an estimated budget of INR 6,000 crore. Some of the key features and facilities planned for the project include:
- A 46-acre parking zone and a 42-acre convention center
- A yoga center, green zones, and provisions for widows and ascetics
- Renovation of ancient historic areas
- A 6.9 km long and 100 m wide expressway connecting the Heritage City to the Banke Bihari Temple, improving connectivity for visitors
- Phased development, with the first phase covering 753 acres at a cost of INR 1,200 crore
The project will also involve reviving natural water bodies like rivers, canals, and ponds in the area.
Comparison to Similar Projects
The Heritage City project can be compared to other major heritage and cultural development initiatives in India, such as:
- Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH): A non-profit organization that works on restoration projects, heritage education, and advocacy for heritage protection across the country.
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC): A non-profit that undertakes restoration projects of monuments, urban conservation, and community development initiatives in historic cities.
- Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): A government scheme launched in 2015 to undertake strategic and planned development of heritage sites in 12 cities, including Mathura.
While these projects have made significant contributions to heritage conservation in India, the Heritage City project stands out for its comprehensive approach, integrating urban planning, economic growth, and heritage preservation in a cohesive manner.
Benefits and Impact
The Heritage City project is expected to have a transformative impact on the Mathura region, boosting religious tourism and enhancing the area’s appeal as a cultural destination. The project’s focus on reviving natural water bodies, improving connectivity, and providing modern amenities for visitors is likely to attract more tourists and pilgrims to the area.
Furthermore, the project’s phased development and public-private partnership model suggest a sustainable approach to heritage conservation and urban development.
FAQ
- What is the total budget for the Heritage City project?
The Heritage City project has an estimated budget of INR 6,000 crore. - When will the project start?
YEIDA anticipates starting work on the ground after the Lok Sabha elections. - How will the project improve connectivity in the area?
A 6.9 km long and 100 m wide expressway will be built to connect the Heritage City to the Banke Bihari Temple, improving accessibility for visitors. - What other facilities will be available in the Heritage City?
The project will include a 46-acre parking zone, a 42-acre convention center, a yoga center, green zones, and provisions for widows and ascetics. - How will the project impact tourism in the Mathura region?
The Heritage City project is expected to boost religious tourism in the Mathura region by providing improved facilities and infrastructure for Hindu devotees visiting the area.
