Yogi writes to PM Modi: UP will turn forts into luxury hotels like Rajasthan, focus on Bundelkhand

Bundelkhand forts

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that the Bundelkhand forts that are under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) be transferred to the state government for development, a statement said on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the CM has requested the PM to transfer the Talbehat fort (Lalitpur), Kalinjar fort (Banda), Madfa (Chitrakoot) and Barua Sagar Ghat steps (Jhansi) to the state government under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

The Uttar Pradesh government is launching a major initiative to restore and repurpose historic forts and monuments across the state. As part of this plan, the state aims to convert these heritage sites into luxury hotels, cultural centres, and museums under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In the first phase, 11 properties have been selected for transformation.

“Just like Rajasthan has successfully converted forts into heritage properties that generate revenue while preserving history, we plan to do the same in Uttar Pradesh. Our state has significant potential because many heritage sites have already drawn interest from investors and visitors,” Jaiveer Singh, the State Minister for Tourism and Culture, was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

The minister added that a total of 31 properties have been identified across UP, out of which four have already been allotted under the PPP model. “The idea is to accelerate revenue growth with the help of these properties and we are hopeful that they would help contribute to the economy of the Bundelkhand region of the state in particular as visitors to these properties would also boost the local vendors and business,” he said.

Focus on Bundelkhand forts

The initiative was inspired by a suggestion made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Bundelkhand Expressway inauguration in 2022. He encouraged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to explore the potential of Bundelkhand’s forts as tourist destinations, similar to how European countries preserve and promote their heritage.

Following this, Adityanath wrote to the Prime Minister requesting the transfer of five monuments, including four forts, currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to the state government for development and conservation.

In his letter, dated September 16, Adityanath described Bundelkhand, which is known as the “land of ten rivers” and a region of sages, as the “heartland of India”. He stressed the need for revival of Bundelkhand’s ancient monuments and archaeological sites to bring the region into global focus.

Survey, planning, and expected benefits

A detailed survey and study were conducted by CEPT University, Ahmedabad, which identified 31 heritage sites across Uttar Pradesh for potential restoration and development. Among these, five sites fall under ASI protection, including Talbehat Fort (Lalitpur), Kalinjar Fort (Banda), Madfa (Chitrakoot), and the Barua Sagar Ghat in Jhansi. The study also presented a framework and action plan for conservation and sustainable use.

The UP government believes that converting these forts into heritage hotels and cultural hubs will attract tourists from across India and the world, generate revenue, and provide local employment opportunities.