New Delhi: In the aftermath of Monday evening’s devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that claimed nine lives and injured at least twenty others, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced the temporary closure of the historic monument for three days. The decision, taken in coordination with law enforcement and central agencies, aims to facilitate an uninterrupted investigation and ensure public safety in one of the capital’s most frequented heritage zones.
According to ASI officials, the Red Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most visited landmarks will remain off-limits to tourists and the general public until Thursday evening. “This is a precautionary measure to avoid crowding in and around the area while multiple investigative teams continue their on-ground operations,” an ASI spokesperson said.
Forensic experts from the National Security Guard (NSG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Delhi Police Crime Branch have cordoned off the blast site located barely a few hundred meters from the monument’s main entrance. Teams are examining vehicle fragments, explosive residues, and CCTV footage from surrounding roads, metro stations, and shops to piece together the sequence of events leading to the explosion.
Security has been intensified across the Lal Qila area, with additional barricades placed along Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, and Jama Masjid Road. Armed personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Delhi Police have been deployed to prevent unauthorized entry, while sniffer dogs and bomb detection squads continue to sweep nearby vehicles and structures.
A senior Delhi Police officer confirmed that the Red Fort’s closure was “a necessary operational step,” citing the complexity of evidence recovery in a densely populated and historically sensitive zone. “The area must remain undisturbed as investigators work to collect trace materials and reconstruct the blast dynamics,” he said.
Local traders and shopkeepers near the monument have expressed both concern and cooperation. Many have voluntarily shut their establishments for the day, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Tourists were turned away this morning, but safety comes first,” said a shop owner from Meena Bazaar, the bustling market adjacent to the fort.
The Ministry of Culture, which oversees the ASI, has assured that once the investigation concludes and the site is deemed safe, normal operations at Red Fort will resume. Meanwhile, tourist agencies and travel operators have been informed to temporarily suspend visits to the site and redirect tourists to other attractions such as India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar.
The Red Fort, an enduring symbol of India’s independence and a focal point for national celebrations, has long been under tight security due to its political and historical significance. Monday’s explosion, occurring so close to its gates, has reignited concerns about vulnerabilities in high-profile heritage and public zones across Delhi.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information, and cooperate with security protocols in the area. “We are leaving no stone unturned to identify those behind this act and restore public confidence,” a Home Ministry official stated.
As the Red Fort stands silent behind barricades, the closure marks a rare moment when the nation’s most iconic monument turns from a site of celebration to one of solemn investigation reflecting the tension and resilience of a city once again confronting the shadow of violence.