New Delhi, Dec 15: The historic Red Fort will reopen to the general public from Tuesday, following the conclusion of a major UNESCO event, officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said.
The 17th-century monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has remained closed to visitors since December 5 as it hosted the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from December 8 to December 13.
An ASI official said the fort was shut from December 5 to 14 in view of the international meet and continues to remain closed on December 15 as it is a Monday, the weekly closure day. “The Red Fort will reopen for visitors from Tuesday,” the official told PTI.
Located in Old Delhi, the Mughal-era fort is one of the capital’s most visited monuments and draws heavy footfall every day. The bustling Chandni Chowk market lies just opposite the imposing red sandstone structure.
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace-fort of his capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is known for its massive fortified walls. Construction of the complex was completed over a decade, between 1638 and 1648.
The UNESCO meeting was held under tight security, coming less than a month after the November 10 blast at the Red Fort that claimed 15 lives and injured over two dozen people. Delegates entering the complex from the Chandni Chowk side had to pass through multiple layers of security barricades before reaching the heavily guarded Lahori Gate and the venue.
Security personnel continue to maintain strict vigil over both the perimeter and the inner areas of the monument.
During the past week, several foreign and domestic tourists, as well as local residents, were seen clicking photographs and taking selfies from the Chandni Chowk side, as the Red Fort remained closed to the public.
