Lucknow's magnificent Chhatar Manzil, the crown jewel of Nawabi architecture, is poised for a remarkable transformation. The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has greenlit an ambitious plan to breathe new life into this 5.55-acre historical marvel through a public-private partnership that could span up to 90 years.

This initiative is part of a broader plan to adaptively reuse heritage sites, including Chunar Fort in Mirzapur and Barua Sagar in Jhansi, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Once a sanctuary for royal women of Awadh, this stunning riverside palace will soon welcome tourists while preserving its cultural essence. The restoration project promises to do more than just polish its golden dome.

Jaiveer Singh, the Minister of Tourism, stated that the project was not merely focused on preserving stones and mortar. He emphasised that they were creating a living heritage where visitors would be able to experience Lucknow's royal past while also supporting its present-day communities.

What sets this project apart is its commitment to local development. The selected developer must ensure that at least 25% of its workforce comes from nearby areas. A market for One District One Product (ODOP) items and exhibitions highlighting each site's history will be established, allowing tourists to explore local heritage and sample regional cuisine.