Lucknow’s Hazratganj to Undergo ₹20 Crore Heritage Makeover to Restore Old-World Charm
Lucknow’s Hazratganj market, known as the cultural and commercial heart of Lucknow, is all set for a major facelift as part of a ₹20 crore heritage restoration and beautification plan sanctioned by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). The project, aimed at restoring the area’s colonial-era charm, will span from the General Post Office (GPO) near the Hazratganj intersection up to the district magistrate’s residence.
The plan was officially confirmed by LDA officials on Wednesday, who described the initiative as a step toward balancing architectural conservation with urban beautification. “We are committed to reviving the original character of Hazratganj while updating the space for modern use,” he said. “The transformation will involve flooring upgrades, heritage-style façade restoration, standardized painting, and the installation of uniform heritage lighting fixtures.”
The LDA has already issued tenders for the project, and officials held a detailed internal meeting this week to finalize the project’s design blueprint and implementation schedule.Known for its Victorian-era design, elegant arcades, and historical significance, Hazratganj has long been considered the soul of Lucknow’s urban identity. However, in recent years, unregulated construction, illegal signage, and aesthetic inconsistencies have diluted the character of the space. The new project seeks to reverse that damage.
As per the design plan, changes will include resurfacing footpaths, replacing damaged pavements, and installing uniform streetlight poles to replace the current mix of functional and non-compliant fixtures. Signboards across shops and buildings will also be regulated to meet LDA’s architectural code. “We will be removing mismatched boards, signage, and unauthorised extensions that violate the heritage norms of the area,” said a senior LDA official involved with the project. “The focus is not just beautification but strict heritage preservation. Any structure that does not comply will be served with notices.”
The standards for compliance are stringent. According to LDA’s façade control policy, every commercial and residential building in Hazratganj must adhere to a unified aesthetic. Signboards must use white text on a black background, with a maximum letter height of 300 mm. The designated colour palette for all building exteriors is pink and yellow, designed to maintain the old Lucknow architectural identity. Windows, awnings, and other design elements must also conform to these specifications.
This isn’t the first time LDA has enforced these heritage norms. In December 2024, a massive enforcement drive was conducted, where over 20 shopfronts had their glow signboards and banners removed. Nearly 200 notices were served to business owners flouting signage rules, including using fonts and colours that weren’t part of the notified scheme or exceeding the prescribed dimensions.
Officials say the current project will take that enforcement further, bringing Hazratganj fully under compliance while also improving infrastructure and pedestrian experience. “There are several buildings with inconsistent façades and unauthorised alterations, some of which have stood for years unchecked,” another official said. “We’ve begun identifying these violations and will soon initiate action against the offenders. No one will be allowed to compromise the heritage ethos of Hazratganj.”
In addition to restoring aesthetics, the plan includes reworking junctions and connecting lanes that feed into the central Ganj stretch. This is expected to improve pedestrian mobility and reduce visual clutter caused by haphazardly placed signage and construction. The beautification project will not only address visual improvements but will also enhance structural elements to ensure long-term durability. Authorities have emphasized that all work will be carried out in line with heritage architecture principles, and strict monitoring will be enforced at every stage of construction.
While the revamp has been welcomed by conservationists and city planners alike, the real test will lie in the enforcement. Hazratganj, with its dense commercial footprint and old residential properties, has often seen resistance from property owners when it comes to compliance with aesthetic codes. To address this, LDA is planning a fresh awareness campaign to engage local business owners and residents about the importance of heritage compliance and the long-term benefits of a unified architectural identity.
As the city prepares for this transformation, the hope is that the project will rekindle the old-world charm of Hazratganj — a space that once mirrored the grandeur of Connaught Place in Delhi, but now stands at the crossroads of modern encroachment and cultural memory. If successful, this project could serve as a replicable model for heritage restoration in other Indian cities, where urban chaos often overshadows historical legacy.
