Plans to relaunch boating at the 16th-century Purana Qila have missed a second deadline, with a new launch date now set for July 20.
An official from Rishikesh Infra, the Delhi-based agency executing the project, said the initial target was January 2025, later revised to mid-May. Both deadlines were missed.
“We were ready to restart boating at Purana Qila, but then we learned that the Delhi government has proposed the construction of a multi-level parking facility outside the fort. This is the same location where we had planned to set up a restaurant for boating visitors,” the official told Patriot. “As a result, our plans have been delayed again, and the new deadline is now July 20.”
According to the official, 20 new boats are expected to arrive within a few days.
“The upcoming building will not only include the parking facility but also feature a few cafés, restaurants, and shopping centres. The parking area is intended for vehicles of Supreme Court employees, and those visiting the zoo and fort,” he added.
Faulty boats and failed deadlines
The initial delay in January was caused by faulty boats supplied by the contractor.
An official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Delhi Circle told Patriot that the boats delivered were defective, leading to further setbacks.
“We had received five boats, but unfortunately, they were incorrectly designed,” the official said. “Typically, pedal boats have pedals in the centre so passengers on both sides can operate them. However, these had pedals only on one side, making them unusable for half the passengers. All five boats were rejected, and the contractor was instructed to supply properly designed replacements as soon as possible.”
Rishikesh Infra’s aim is to transform Purana Qila into a premier boating destination, offering an experience that could rival tourist hotspots like Goa.
Also Read: Delhi: Boating revival at Purana Qila hits fresh hurdle
To realise this, the agency has placed an order for 20 new boats—10 two-seaters and 10 four-seaters—at a cost of over Rs 50 lakh. In addition, an electric boat costing another Rs 50 lakh is currently under production.
The boats are being sourced from PRP Enterprises, a Bhopal-based company known for building India’s first fully integrated firefighting boat, which was deployed at the Kumbh Mela earlier this year.
Amenities and plans in the pipeline
If completed as envisioned, the project could become one of Delhi’s largest and most scenic boating attractions.
The executing agency is also prioritising essential amenities for visitors, including toilets, drinking water facilities, and a lakeside restaurant.
“We are constructing three jetties to ensure smooth boarding and are planning to build a small viewpoint near the entrance where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the lake,” the official said. A dual-booth ticket counter is also under consideration.
To enhance the atmosphere, evening musical performances by the lake are also being planned.
In winter, special floating jetties will be introduced in the middle of the lake, offering food and snacks to visitors. A golf cart service will help elderly visitors travel from the entrance to the boating area.
The total cost of the project is estimated at around Rs 25 crore. It is being overseen by the Sabhyata Foundation, part of the Dalmia Bharat Group, which has adopted several monuments in Delhi for their upkeep under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme.
Over 100 life jackets, suitable for visitors aged six and above, have already been procured.
A long wait since 2016
Boating at Purana Qila Lake was discontinued in 2016. Despite repeated efforts by the Delhi Tourism Department to resume the service, no progress was made for years.
Recreational boating at the lake began in 1991 under Delhi Tourism. In 2007, the lake came under the jurisdiction of the ASI following an agreement under which Delhi Tourism would share 12.5% of its boating revenue with the ASI.
However, in 2016, the lake dried up due to official negligence. Although it was later restored, boating activities remained suspended.
Last year, the Sabhyata Foundation proposed reviving boating—a plan still awaiting implementation.
