Delhi 10/11 Blast Aftermath: Red Fort Shut to Tourists Till November 13

The iconic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enduring symbol of India's Mughal heritage, has been shuttered to tourists and visitors from November 11 to 13, 2025, following a devastating car explosion near its vicinity on November 10 that killed at least 13 people and injured over 20 others. The closure, announced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday, came in direct response to a formal request from the Delhi Police's Kotwali station, citing the ongoing crime scene investigation at the blast site adjacent to Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station.

"The investigation of the scene of the crime in the incident is in progress but yet to be completed. Hence, it is requested that the Red Fort may please be closed for visitors for three days w.e.f. 11/11/2025 to 13/11/2025," the letter stated, emphasising the need for uninterrupted forensic work and public safety. ASI's Delhi Circle confirmed compliance, with an official noting that the temporary suspension prioritises the probe while minimising risks in the densely crowded Old Delhi area, home to millions of daily commuters and heritage enthusiasts.

The explosion, occurring at precisely 6:52 PM on a bustling traffic signal near the 17th-century fortress—famed for its red sandstone architecture and role in India's Independence Day ceremonies—originated from a Haryana-registered Hyundai i20 that burst into flames, engulfing at least six cars, two e-rickshaws, one auto-rickshaw, and a bus in a massive inferno. Eyewitnesses described a deafening blast followed by a towering fireball and acrid smoke, scattering shrapnel and causing widespread panic in the Chandni Chowk vicinity, a labyrinth of bazaars and temples drawing global footfall.

Injuries predominantly involved severe burns, with victims rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) and Guru Teg Bahadur hospitals, where families endured harrowing waits amid scenes of grief and chaos. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed the incident's timing, underscoring its occurrence during peak evening rush hour, which amplified the tragedy's human toll and exposed vulnerabilities in one of the world's most visited urban heritage zones.

A robust multi-agency investigation, spearheaded by the Delhi Police Special Cell under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act, has already yielded leads, including CCTV footage revealing a masked individual at the wheel and the car's prolonged parking near Sunehri Masjid for nearly three hours prior. Two prior owners of the vehicle have been detained as authorities trace its chain of custody, linking it tentatively to a suspected terror module busted in nearby Faridabad, Haryana, where 2,900 kg of explosives were seized hours earlier.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and National Security Guard (NSG) are involved, scrutinising potential Jaish-e-Mohammed connections amid unverified claims of broader plots. High alerts have blanketed the national capital and extended to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, with enhanced checks at the Delhi Metro, airports, government buildings, and other monuments to preempt copycat threats.

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The closure's timing adds layers of logistical strain, coinciding with the Red Fort's role as a major tourist magnet—welcoming over 4 million visitors annually for its Diwan-i-Aam halls and light-and-sound shows—while preparations underway for a landmark UNESCO event next month could face disruptions. From December 8 to 13, the fort is slated to host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, expecting over 1,000 delegates from 180 countries to deliberate on global preservation efforts, including India's own nominations like yoga and Koodiyattam.

Authorities plan a security clearance review post-November 13 to expedite reopening, but the incident evokes shadows of past assaults, such as the 2008 serial blasts, prompting calls for fortified surveillance in heritage circuits. As the probe deepens, this episode not only tests Delhi's resilience but also reaffirms the fort's symbolic stature, urging a balanced approach to security that preserves its accessibility as a living testament to India's storied past.

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