Lucknow, December 30, 2025

Uttar Pradesh is set to give a fresh cultural and tourism identity to its capital as the state government moves ahead with plans to strengthen living heritage tourism in Lucknow. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh announced that a new Culture Building will be developed near Shaheed Path, where offices of institutions under the Culture Department will be brought together. The initiative is aimed at creating a cohesive cultural ecosystem while improving coordination and public access.

Reviewing the working of the Tourism and Culture Departments, the Minister said that Lucknow’s heritage goes far beyond monuments. Its music, literature, crafts, cuisine and everyday traditions make it a living cultural city, and future tourism planning will reflect this character. He added that the new campus of Bhatkhande Culture University will be developed to international standards, reinforcing Lucknow’s role as a centre of classical music and cultural learning.

To enhance the visitor experience, a double-decker sightseeing bus service will be launched on January 6, connecting 1090 Chauraha to Residency. The service will offer affordable tickets and curated city tours, allowing visitors to explore Lucknow’s historic neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks in a single, comfortable circuit. The launch will be flagged off by the Tourism Minister, with a special complimentary ride for media on the inaugural day.

The Minister directed officials to prepare a focused roadmap to position Lucknow on the same global tourism platform as Agra and Varanasi. He stressed timely completion of museums, memorials and cultural centres under construction, and underlined that quality, transparency and accountability must guide all ongoing works.

Senior officials reviewed progress on major projects, cultural centres, museums, heritage sites, tourism amenities and promotional efforts across the state. The emphasis, the Minister said, is on building destinations that combine heritage, culture and modern visitor services—so that Lucknow emerges not only as an administrative capital, but as a vibrant hub of living heritage tourism.