This Independence Day, the historic Red Fort will be fully illuminated after sunset, enhancing its aesthetic and giving it a fresh look.
It has been learnt that the project to illuminate the Red Fort will commence in the coming days and the task is being executed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi circle.
“We aim to illuminate entire Red Fort by August 15 and the installation of lights will commence soon. The project will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crores,” stated a senior ASI official.
More than 1,000 different types of lights will be installed to beautify the fort.
“The illumination will cover back side of Red Fort from Asad Burj to Shah Burj tower of the fort, the only portion of the historic structure that is without the illumination. Once completed, it will give a new look to the monument,” the official added.
He said that illumination is intended to attract more visitors to the fort.
“Though our peak season for visitors is between November to February, we want them to come during summers and see the architectural beauty of this monument. Fully illuminating it will surely make a difference this time,” he emphasised.
In January last year, the new innovative Sound & Light show was opened for the public at Red Fort. The revamped light and sound show, titled ‘Jai Hind’, is a dramatic retelling of India’s story from ancient history to the modern day and was initiated with an aim to attract more visitors.
ASI has scheduled completion of several other works at the fort before Independence Day.
“These include fixing of the Red sandstone flooring and veneering of VIP sitting area of the Rampart of the Red Fort,” the official mentioned.
“Budgeting of this project is underway and work will commence soon,” he added.
Every year on August 15, the Indian Prime Minister hoists tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi – a tradition begun by India’s first ever PM Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947 when the country first gained independence.
Other scheduled works include the removal of vegetation and minor repairs to adjoining fortification wall from Asad Burj towards city wall portion back side of T-5 parking.
“Conservation of Arch Bridge connecting from Red Fort to Salimgarh Fort is also slated to be completed before August 15,” officials said.
The monument will undergo a routine maintenance and a minor repair later also as part of Independence Day renovations, officials added.
ASI will also install security lights with poles on the ring road side wall near Delhi Chalo Park. “Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) authorities at the fort have raised the concerns about the crimes like tampering and vandalism and requested for installation of security lights. We will begin this work soon,” he stated.
“We will be installing around 50 lights at the cost of Rs 60 lakh,” he added.
Close to the CISF office at Delhi Chalo Park, ASI has erected new small boundary walls, installed fencing and covered them with concertina wire to prevent the movement of unauthorised and suspicious persons.
Historically, Red Fort has served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on May 12 1639, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.
