Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
Barapullah Bridge Set to Reopen
After decades of neglect and encroachment, the historic Barapullah Bridge in New Delhi is poised to reopen to the public in February 2026, marking a major milestone in the conservation of the city’s architectural heritage. Built during the Mughal era in 1621–22, this centuries-old structure — hidden beneath modern infrastructure and long forgotten — is making a remarkable comeback as a pedestrian-only heritage attraction following extensive restoration work led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
A Glimpse into History
The Barapullah Bridge, named literally for its 12 piers and 11 arches, was constructed under the patronage of Mihr Banfi Agha during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. Stretching approximately 195 meters in length and 14 meters in width, the bridge once served as a key route for Mughal nobility and travellers moving between Agra and Delhi, linking landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb and the Nizamuddin Dargah. Its unique architectural style and sturdy stone construction exemplify the engineering ingenuity of its time.
Over the centuries, however, the bridge suffered severe neglect. Urban sprawl, illegal encroachments, and its proximity to the Barapullah drain saw it increasingly hidden from public view, leading to its gradual decay. Vendors, dumping of waste, and inappropriate use only compounded the structural damage, pushing the heritage landmark towards further obscurity.
Heritage Conservation: Restoring the Past
Recognising the bridge’s historic and cultural value, the ASI undertook a comprehensive conservation project to restore its original grandeur. The restoration involved removing decades-old encroachments and accumulated debris that had built up on and around the bridge. More than 600 cubic meters of bitumen and roughly 1,500 cubic meters of old plaster were painstakingly cleared, revealing the original stonework beneath.
Traditional restoration methods were employed throughout the project in order to maintain historical authenticity. Craftsmen used random rubble masonry and lime mortar mixed with natural binders — such as jaggery, bel giri, and gum — mirroring techniques that would have been used in the bridge’s original construction nearly four centuries ago. These painstaking efforts aimed to protect the structure’s integrity while ensuring its durability for future generations.
The restoration also addressed structural weaknesses revealed over the years, including damaged piers and protective walls weighed down by debris and modern additions. With the bulk of the heavy restoration complete, only minor finishing and masonry touches remain — expected to be wrapped up in time for the planned reopening.
Pedestrian-Only Access and Protection Measures
A significant aspect of the reopening plan is that vehicles will not be allowed on the bridge, now protected by sturdy iron gates installed at both ends. This restriction is designed to prevent future misuse and damage, ensuring that visitors can appreciate the historical structure without compromising its safety.
The decision to allow pedestrians only comes after decades of the bridge being used as a thoroughfare for cars, vendors, and informal encroachments — all of which detracted from its heritage value. By keeping motorised traffic at bay, authorities aim to preserve the monument’s structural integrity while promoting it as a peaceful space for cultural and historical engagement.
Collaborative Conservation Effort
While the ASI spearheaded the restoration, the project’s success was due to coordinated action among multiple agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). These organisations assisted with clearing encroachments, landscaping the surrounding areas, and enhancing visitor access. Such multi-agency collaboration underscores the importance of shared responsibility in preserving urban heritage.
Conservationists say that restoring the Barapullah Bridge not only saves a physical structure but also revives a symbol of Delhi’s layered history — a city shaped by successive eras of architecture and culture. The bridge’s reopening promises to reconnect residents and visitors with a lost piece of the city’s past, offering a tangible link to the Mughal period’s engineering and social landscape.
Cultural and Educational Impact
Once reopened, the bridge is expected to become a notable heritage attraction in Delhi’s historical circuit. Its proximity to renowned landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb and the Nizamuddin Dargah positions it well for inclusion in heritage walks, school excursions, and tourist itineraries. Public engagement with the bridge will offer valuable insights into Delhi’s evolution — from its Mughal roots to its present as a bustling metropolis.
Local historians and heritage advocates have welcomed the bridge’s restoration as part of a broader effort to reclaim Delhi’s architectural legacy, which has too often been overshadowed by rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development. They point out that careful preservation of historic structures like Barapullah Bridge strengthens cultural identity and fosters a sense of continuity between past and present.
Restoring Urban Memory
The Barapullah Bridge’s revival also highlights the challenges and rewards of heritage conservation in a fast-growing city. With rising demands for infrastructure and housing, historic structures often fall by the wayside, forgotten beneath modern encroachments. The bridge’s restoration serves as a reminder that urban development and heritage preservation can coexist — and that conserving the past enriches the character and cultural depth of the city.
Looking Ahead
As the final touches of conservation are expected to finish imminently, the reopening in February 2026 marks a triumphant moment for heritage preservation in Delhi. Visitors will soon be able to walk across this 400-year-old bridge, experiencing firsthand a piece of Mughal engineering that endured centuries of change. With vehicle access permanently restricted and protective measures in place, Barapullah Bridge stands ready to welcome a new generation of Delhiites and tourists — bridging the past and present in a uniquely tangible way.
Summary:
The Barapullah Bridge’s reopening after extensive conservation work represents Delhi’s commitment to preserving historical monuments and provides a renewed cultural space for the public. The project underscores the value of heritage in the city’s narrative and demonstrates how coordinated restoration can revive forgotten landmarks for future generations.
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