Purana Qila Boating Resumes After Nearly a Decade, Boosting Delhi Tourism
In a significant boost to Delhi tourism, the much-loved boating experience at Purana Qila has officially returned after a hiatus of nearly 10 years. The moat has been thoroughly cleaned, new paddle boats have been deployed, and a fully functional ticketing counter has been established — all set to welcome visitors once again.
Reintroduced on a trial basis after its official inauguration on Monday, the 20–25-minute boat ride is now open to the public. Priced affordably at ₹125–₹150 per person, the ride begins from the Talaqi Darwaza side of the historic lake and operates between 9 AM and 6 PM daily. Visitors can choose between two-seater and four-seater paddle boats, making it a delightful experience for both couples and families.
A Heritage Revived
The revival of the boating service is being spearheaded by Sabhyata Foundation, a non-profit organization acting as a ‘Monument Mitra’ under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ initiative by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The foundation supports five major Delhi landmarks: Red Fort, Purana Qila, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Safdarjung Tomb, and Humayun’s Tomb.
According to Ajay Verma, CEO, Heritage and Events at Sabhyata Foundation, the organization signed an MoU with ASI on April 1, 2024, assuming the role of ‘Smarak Sarthi’. For the past few months, efforts have been underway to rejuvenate the visitor experience at Purana Qila, including the development of amenities such as a cafeteria, modern restrooms, and other visitor-centric facilities.
A major public launch event is planned for September, with the current fleet of 5–6 boats expected to expand to 20–25 boats by then.
Early Visitors Share Their Experience
Ohi Pecha, a Hotel Management student from Udaipur, was the first visitor to enjoy the new boating service. “It was a good experience. I came with friends, and we did boating for 20 minutes. Since we were the first ones, they even let us extend the ride,” he shared.
Safety Measures in Place
The boating operation has been designed with stringent safety measures in mind. “We have world-class tenders, life jackets of all sizes, and staff trained by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF),” Verma assured. “We also have insurance coverage, proper licensing, and certified divers on-site.”
At present, four lifeguards are stationed at the lake, with plans to increase staffing once full operations commence in September. One of them, Sakshi Das, a lifeguard and trainer from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, is currently training new recruits. She is also known for facilitating boating at the Bhilai Zoo.
A Long-Awaited Return
Boating at Purana Qila had been immensely popular, drawing over 2,000 visitors each weekend before operations were suspended in August 2016. The service was halted after the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) was unable to renew its maintenance agreement with ASI. As a result, the water body spanning from Talaqi Darwaza to Bada Darwaza dried up, and the activity was discontinued.
Although efforts were made to restore the moat in 2018, boating services remained on hold — until now.
With its scenic views and rich historical backdrop, the return of boating at Purana Qila not only revives a cherished leisure activity but also reaffirms Delhi’s status as a city that balances heritage with modern tourism experiences. This development is expected to significantly enhance footfall at the site and serve as a catalyst for promoting Delhi tourism even further.
