New Delhi: If you are planning to visit Delhi’s historic Red Fort, this news is important for you. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued an order stating that the Red Fort will remain temporarily closed to general tourists from July 15, 2026, to August 15, 2026. No tourists will be permitted to enter the fort during this period. Every year, public access to the Red Fort is temporarily restricted to facilitate preparations for the Independence Day celebrations and to ensure security arrangements. In line with this practice, the ASI has decided to ban tourist entry for one month this year as well.
Notably, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15. Due to event preparations, the deployment of security agencies, stage construction, and other logistical arrangements, the entire complex is declared a controlled zone for security reasons during this time. The ASI has urged tourists to keep this period in mind when planning their visits. The Red Fort will reopen to the public once security restrictions are lifted after August 15.
Under which rule will the Red Fort remain closed?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has clarified that the decision to close the Red Fort to general tourists from July 15, 2026, to August 15, 2026, has been taken under Rule 5 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959. An order issued by the ASI on July 9, 2026, states that public and tourist entry to the Red Fort will be prohibited during this period due to Independence Day preparations and security arrangements. According to the order, the Red Fort will remain closed to the general public until the Independence Day celebrations conclude.
Independence Day preparations intensify
Preparations for the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort have gained momentum. As is the annual tradition, the Prime Minister will address the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on August 15. In view of this, security arrangements across the entire complex have been tightened. In preparation for the Independence Day celebrations, work on erecting the stage, deploying security agencies, conducting rehearsals, and making other necessary arrangements has commenced at the Red Fort. The entire complex has been handed over to security agencies to oversee these arrangements.
Red Fort gates to reopen after August 15
The Red Fort will be reopened to the public by the ASI once the Independence Day celebrations conclude. Stringent security measures are implemented across the complex and the surrounding areas for the national event held at the Red Fort every year on Independence Day. During this period, security agencies conduct extensive checks, and the movement of people is regulated at various locations. In view of these security arrangements and preparations for the ceremony, the entry of general tourists to the Red Fort has been temporarily suspended from July 15 to August 15, 2026.
