EXCLUSIVE: ASI to turn Delhi’s 400-year-old Barapullah Bridge into a tourist destination

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to transform the historic Barapullah Bridge in Delhi into a major tourist attraction.

“We will start the conservation work by the end of this month and aim to turn it into a new tourist spot where visitors can experience its historical significance,” an ASI official from the Delhi circle told Patriot.

The official added that the conservation is set to be finished by March next year. “Once the work is finished, we will add facilities, such as seating and lighting, among others, to enhance its appeal and attract more visitors,” he said.

Renovation work underway

“We are clearing the debris and restoring the Ashlar stones originally placed on the bridge, which had sunk due to years of neglect,” the official explained.

“We have also removed over 120 vendors who had illegally encroached upon the bridge over the past two decades,” he added.

Officials said that the bridge will undergo major conservation work.

“We will carry out plastering, which includes the application of lime and sand. The bridge has cracks due to a lack of maintenance, which will be repaired. Unnecessary paint layers will be removed, along with any microbiological growth. Additionally, damaged lakhori bricks will be replaced, and the masonry will be restored,” he explained.

He mentioned that the mortar work, including brick masonry with lime and stone with lime mortar, will also be carried out.

“The project will also include the installation of fencing on both sides [of the bridge] to ensure the safety of visitors and give it an appealing look,” he added.

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The official emphasised that the ASI’s goal is to restore the bridge to its original condition during the Mughal era.

The conservation work will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.5 crores.

‘Most beautiful bridge’

The structure is named Barapullah due to its 12 piers and 11 arches. It was built by Minar Banu Agha and commissioned by Emperor Jehangir.

Historians note that the Mughals used it to cross the Yamuna River to reach Nizamuddin Dargah and Humayun’s Tomb while travelling from Agra. In 1628, the road between the bridge and Humayun’s Tomb was a wide tree-lined path and was considered the most beautiful bridge in Delhi.

Anti-encroachment drive

In August, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena announced that the Mughal-era structure had been handed over to the ASI for restoration.

Saxena had inspected the bridge, which was found to be heavily encroached upon, and an anti-encroachment drive was launched.

Officials said that the bridge had become a dumping ground for debris and garbage from the surrounding areas.