The historic 400-year-old Barapulla Bridge in Nizamuddin has been handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it is set to be restored within three months, announced Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena on Sunday.
“Delighted to share that Delhi’s 400-year-old Barapulla Bridge, with its 12 piers, will soon regain its lost glory. The bridge, which was heavily encroached upon during my visit last Sunday, was handed over to the ASI today. They will restore the structure within three months,” Saxena posted on X.
Delighted to share, Delhi’s another heritage- 400 years old Barapulla Bridge (with 12 piers) will soon regain its lost glory. The bridge, which was under heavy encroachment during my visit last Sunday, was handed over to ASI today, which will restore the structure in 3 months. pic.twitter.com/cFu2GgKZj7
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) August 11, 2024
Saxena visited the bridge to review the progress of its restoration work on Sunday. This marked his second visit in just a week, the first being on August 4. Previously, the bridge had fallen into disrepair and was used as a dumping ground for debris and garbage from nearby areas.
Saxena had previously directed the removal of encroachments and initiated the restoration of the bridge as a priority. Local residents and representatives have supported the LG’s initiative, according to a press release from his office.
Accompanied by the Chief Secretary of Delhi and the Director General of ASI, Saxena received assurances of complete restoration within three months. He also instructed the ASI to preserve the bridge’s originality and to install proper lighting upon completion of the restoration.
Saxena praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies—including MCD, PWD, I&FC, Railways, and ASI—that have worked together to remove encroachments and clear the drain flowing under the bridge. Encroachment removal has been completed within a week, and desilting of the drain is in progress. ASI will commence restoration work immediately after desilting.
Built nearly 400 years ago by Minar Banu Agha under Emperor Jehangir’s reign, the Barapulla Bridge is named for its 12 piers and 11 arches. According to historians, the bridge was constructed in 1628 and was once a prominent feature of a tree-lined road between the bridge and Humayun’s Tomb, regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in Delhi.
It is believed that the Mughals used this bridge to cross the Yamuna River en route to Nizamuddin Dargah and Humayun’s Tomb from Agra, the then-capital.
Now obscured by encroachments and constructions, this historical architectural marvel is a testament to engineering and masonry skills.
Conservation and restoration of heritage structures in Delhi have been a key focus for LG Saxena since he assumed office. Under his guidance, historical sites such as St. James’s Church and Mehrauli Archaeological Park have been revitalized and attract significant footfall daily. Additionally, monuments like Roshanara Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Anang Tal Baoli, Rajon ki Baoli, Qila Rai Pithora, Jamali Kamali mosque complex, Dilli Chalo Park, Ghata Masjid, Urdu Academy Park, and others are currently undergoing restoration.
(With ANI Inputs)
