Budget 2026-27: 15 archaeological sites to become cultural destinations; Khelo India Mission launched
The Union Budget 2026-27, presented on 1 February 2026, announced that 15 archaeological sites including Lothal, Dholavira and Rakhigarhi will be developed as experiential cultural destinations, and launched a Khelo India Mission for the next decade.
Summary
The Union Budget 2026-27, presented on 1 February 2026, announced that 15 archaeological sites — including Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur and Leh Palace — will be developed into experiential cultural destinations. The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology will become the National Institute of Hospitality, and a pilot will upskill 10,000 guides at 20 tourist sites through a 12-week course with an IIM. A Khelo India Mission will transform the sports sector over the next decade through talent pathways, coaching, sports science, leagues and infrastructure, and ₹500 crore is allocated to promote sports goods manufacturing.
Key facts
- Heritage sites
- 15, incl. Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur, Leh Palace
- Hospitality
- NCHMCT to become National Institute of Hospitality
- Guides
- Pilot to upskill 10,000 guides at 20 sites
- Sports
- Khelo India Mission for the next decade
- Sports goods
- ₹500 crore
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which of the following sites is among the 15 archaeological sites to be developed as cultural destinations under the Union Budget 2026-27?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rakhigarhi
The listed sites include Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur and Leh Palace.
How much did the Union Budget 2026-27 allocate to promote sports goods manufacturing?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹500 crore
₹500 crore was allocated to promote sports goods manufacturing, alongside the Khelo India Mission.