HAL, National Culture Fund and ASI sign MoA for heritage works at Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort

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HAL, National Culture Fund and ASI sign MoA for heritage works at Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort

13 October 2026

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on 13 October 2026 in New Delhi. It covers heritage conservation and development works at 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. At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the works include the historic North and South Bazaar areas, extending approximately 270 metres and 250 metres respectively. The projects will be carried out under the technical guidance and supervision of the ASI, with the NCF facilitating implementation.

HAL financial support (in-principle): ₹23.60 crore Period: 2026-27 to 2028-29 Sites: Hampi, Taj Mahal, Bekal Fort Hampi works: North Bazaar about 270 metres; South Bazaar about 250 metres

Why it matters for exams: Heritage sites, the bodies that protect them and corporate (CSR) support for them are standard art-and-culture and current-affairs material, and Bekal Fort is a Kerala site.

Kerala PSCUPSC

13 October 2026 Source: Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Culture)

In plain words

NCF National Culture Fund — Set up by the Ministry of Culture to bring the Government and the corporate sector together for heritage conservation and promotion.

ASI Archaeological Survey of India — Gives technical guidance and supervision for the projects.