What is the HRIDAY Scheme?
The Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) is a Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs scheme designed to preserve and develop India's designated heritage cities. Launched in 2014-15 with a Rs 500 crore outlay, HRIDAY funded infrastructure upgrades in 12 heritage cities with a specific focus on maintaining heritage character — including street furniture and lighting.
Unlike AMRUT, which focuses on energy efficiency and smart connectivity, HRIDAY's primary brief for street lighting is cultural and historical authenticity. A modern LED pole is acceptable under AMRUT; it requires INTACH-compatible heritage design under HRIDAY.
The 12 HRIDAY Cities and Their Heritage Lighting Context
| City | State | Heritage Character | Typical Pole Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | UP | Ghats, temple corridors, old bazaars | Victorian, brass-finish multi-arm |
| Amritsar | Punjab | Golden Temple precinct, colonial bazaars | Cast iron, antique black |
| Ajmer | Rajasthan | Dargah precinct, Mughal-era streets | Mughal arch, green patina |
| Mathura | UP | Temple town, ghat frontage | Traditional brass-look, lotus motif |
| Gaya | Bihar | Buddhist circuit, ghat areas | Classical Indian, stone-look base |
| Puri | Odisha | Jagannath temple, beach promenade | Coastal-grade IP67, Odishan motif |
| Kanchipuram | Tamil Nadu | Temple town, Dravidian architecture | Dravidian motif, dark bronze |
| Warangal | Telangana | Kakatiya dynasty architecture | Kakatiya-inspired, terracotta colour |
| Dwarka | Gujarat | Coastal temple town | Coastal IP67, classical Indian |
| Amravati | AP | Buddhist stupa precincts | Buddhist motif, cream/ochre |
| Badami | Karnataka | Chalukyan rock-cut temples | Sandstone-look finish, classical |
| Velankanni | Tamil Nadu | Coastal pilgrimage town | IP67 coastal, classical motif |
Structural Requirements — Identical to Standard Specifications
Heritage poles have the same structural standards as any outdoor decorative pole:
- IS:2062 for mild steel components
- IS:1239 for GI tubular shaft
- IS:875 Part-3 for wind zone design
- IS:456 for reinforced concrete foundation
- IS:4759 for hot-dip galvanizing (85 microns minimum)
What differs under HRIDAY is aesthetic specification only — shape of shaft, crown design, finish colour, lantern style. These must be approved by the local heritage committee before procurement.
The HRIDAY Heritage Committee Approval Process
- Design brief submission: Submit pole design renders to the heritage committee through the ULB's HRIDAY nodal officer
- INTACH review: INTACH or a heritage consultant reviews the design for period authenticity
- Prototype approval: A physical prototype may be required before bulk approval is granted
- Written approval: Formal written approval from the committee is the procurement trigger — do not order bulk quantities without this
- Installation inspection: Post-installation inspection against the approved design
Typical approval timeline: 3-6 months. Projects that initiate approval concurrently with BOQ preparation lose no time. Projects that approach a manufacturer first and start approval after ordering face delays.
Practical Specification Tips for Heritage Lighting Tenders
- Specify period and architectural style explicitly in the tender document
- Request 3D renders and precedent photos from at least 2 suppliers before heritage committee submission
- Include a prototype clause in the supply contract before bulk production begins
- For coastal heritage cities (Puri, Dwarka, Velankanni), specify IP67 minimum — coastal durability overrides the general specification
Frequently Asked Questions
What pole styles are approved under HRIDAY?
HRIDAY does not maintain a pre-approved list — approval is project-specific and city-specific. Period-appropriate styles (Victorian, Mughal arch, classical Indian, Dravidian) consistently receive approval in the respective heritage contexts.
Is HRIDAY still active in 2026?
The original HRIDAY scheme (2014-19) concluded, but heritage lighting norms continue to govern procurement in the 12 designated cities. Many projects are now funded through AMRUT 2.0 heritage components or state heritage budgets.
Can non-heritage-city projects use HRIDAY-style specifications?
Yes. Heritage-style poles are specified by many municipalities and townships outside the 12 HRIDAY cities for old bazaar areas, temple approach roads, and civic beautification. The approval process only applies within designated heritage precincts.
