Boating relaunch at Purana Qila draws huge crowds

Boating at Delhi’s 16th-century Purana Qila has made a comeback after nearly a decade, and the response has been overwhelming.

The facility, revived by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and managed by the Sabhyata Foundation of the Dalmia group, has already tripled footfall at the monument, officials said.

“Due to the closure of the zoo, footfall increased. Every day, 2,500–3,000 people visit. Before the zoo closure, we would get around 800–1,200 or sometimes 1,500 on weekends. Now it touches 2,500 or around 3,000 on weekends,” said an ASI official.

Visitors speak: calming, but too short

For many, the return of boating has been a refreshing experience. Twenty-nine-year-old Anjali Sharma described it as “a calming experience… It is good in this weather.”

A student, who did not want to be named, said she enjoyed the ride but suggested additional safety measures. “The safety is good, but they should have someone in the middle of the lake to help people for whom this is a new experience,” she said.

Usman, another visitor, felt the 20-minute duration was not enough. He said the ride should last at least 40 minutes “so that you get to properly experience the environment,” and suggested that “a motorised boat should also be introduced.”

Others pointed to the restricted stretch of the lake. “The boating experience at Purana Qila is refreshing, but it feels limited given the rope boundary restricts us to a small section of the lake. It would’ve been much better if the entire lake or larger area was open for boating to truly enjoy the historic surroundings.”

Ritika Mehra, a college student, said, “It felt so peaceful paddling across the water with the fort walls around us. You don’t expect to find such calm in the middle of Delhi.”

Rajesh Kumar, who came with his family, added, “My children were very excited. For them, it was both fun and educational — they got to learn a bit of history while enjoying the boat ride.”

Sameena, a first-time visitor, said, “The ticket price is reasonable, but the queue was too long. Maybe they should add more boats to manage the rush.”

Families, too, welcomed the initiative. “Bringing my kids here for boating at Purana Qila was a wonderful experience. It’s refreshing to see such heritage sites being made more family-friendly; it’s a perfect blend of history and recreation,” said a parent.

A group of friends summed it up simply: “Gliding across the lake with the fort in the background felt surreal. It’s not every day you get to chill with friends in a paddle boat next to a historical monument.”

Rising numbers, future plans

Ajay Verma, CEO of the Sabhyata Foundation, confirmed the surge in visitors. “Since the boating started, footfall has almost tripled. As of now 12 boats are running. We may increase them. We are planning to increase the number to 20. So far there is no plan to start motorised boats. Cafeteria and toilet will be started. Museum will come up. Events will be held.”

Currently, 12 paddle boats — eight with four seats and four with three — are available. The entry point is from Talaqi Darwaza, with tickets priced at Rs 125 per person for a 20-minute ride. Services run from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM in summer. Over 100 life jackets, suitable for visitors aged six and above, have been procured.

Verma added that boating had resumed on a trial basis in June and was scheduled to be inaugurated on September 1, but it has not been inaugurated officially.

Also Read: Delhi: Boating revival at Purana Qila hits fresh hurdle

The Rs 25-crore project also includes plans for toilets, drinking water facilities, a lakeside restaurant, three jetties, a viewpoint, and evening musical performances.

A long wait since 2016

Boating at Purana Qila began in 1991 under Delhi Tourism, with the ASI later taking over in 2007. It was discontinued in 2016 when the lake dried up due to official negligence. Despite restoration, the service remained suspended for nearly a decade.

Now, with the artificial lake filled once again and boats back in service, Purana Qila has regained its charm. For many Delhiites, it is more than just a recreational activity — it is a rare chance to connect with history while floating under the shadow of Sher Shah Suri’s sandstone walls.