The ASI’s Delhi Circle has restricted access to six structures inside the Red Fort — the Hammam, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.
A copy of the response accessed by PTI said restrictions have been made at many of the 10 monuments across Delhi as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carries out conservation, repair, and visitor-facility work. Built in 1724 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is known for its massive masonry instruments used for astronomical observations.
NEW DELHI: Entry for visitors to monuments at Hauz Khas Fort, Jantar Mantar and Agrasen ki Baoli has been restricted as parts of the structures are undergoing repairs, according to an RTI response. Emergency structural repairs are underway at the group of monuments in Hauz Khas and the Kotla Firoz Shah complex, according to the RTI response. Visitor facilities are being refurbished at Tughlaqabad Fort and the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. The RTI response also mentioned accessibility improvements at the Qutub Minar complex, as well as structural repairs and renovation of the signal regiment building and toilet block at Salimgarh Fort. Conservation work on the well area, including the parapet at the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort, is also underway. The RTI response showed that a portion of the group of buildings at Hauz Khas I has been restricted to visitors. The complex was developed around a large medieval reservoir and later became home to a madrasa, a tomb and other structures associated with the Delhi Sultanate. The reservoir was built during the reign of Alauddin Khalji, while the later structures, including the madrasa and tomb, are closely associated with Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Visitor movement has also been restricted at structures within Jantar Mantar and Agrasen ki Baoli in central Delhi. The RTI response did not specify when the restrictions came into effect. The ASI’s Delhi Circle has restricted access to six structures inside the Red Fort — the Hammam, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The Hammam served as the royal bathhouse, while the Moti Masjid was a private mosque built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his personal use. The Diwan-i-Khas, built under Shah Jahan, was the Hall of Private Audience, where the emperor received nobles and other important visitors. The Khas Mahal formed part of Shah Jahan’s private residential quarters, while the Rang Mahal was associated with the imperial household and palace life. Sheesh Mahal is another glorious relic of the Mughal court built inside the Red Fort.
The restriction on entry to the Qutub Minar is also long-standing, with access to its interior closed following a stampede in 1981. The RTI response revealed that the Delhi Circle was allocated Rs 19.10 crore in 2021-22, nearly all of which was spent. The allocation rose to Rs 30.50 crore in 2022-23, with expenditure also at about Rs 30.50 crore, it said. In 2023-24, Rs 36.61 crore was allocated for conservation and related works, of which around Rs 36.57 crore was spent, the RTI data showed. The allocation fell to Rs 17.85 crore in 2024-25, with about Rs 17.85 crore spent during the year. In 2025-26, Rs 28.70 crore was allocated, of which around Rs 28.67 crore was spent, it added. (With agency inputs) You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
Because their delicate marble and inlay work are vulnerable to damage from heavy footfall, the Hammam and Moti Masjid have remained closed to visitors.
The ASI said that parts of the Qutub Minar complex – – the first floor of the Hindu Remains Corridor, Jamali Kamali Tomb, and the internal structure of Qutub Minar have been kept out of bounds to visitors. Some restrictions at the Red Fort have been in place for years. Repair work is also underway at the mosque and adjoining cells at Safdarjung Tomb, while public amenities are being upgraded at Humayun’s Tomb. Download the TOI App.