Tripolia Gate: A Forgotten Mughal Heritage Monument on GT Karnal Road

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Amid the bustle of traffic on **GT Karnal Road near Rana Pratap Bagh in Delhi stands the historic Tripolia Gate, a heritage monument that has quietly slipped into neglect.

Once a majestic gateway guarding the entrance to the city, Tripolia Gate today lies in a dilapidated state. Despite its historical significance, the monument appears uncared for, slowly deteriorating amid encroachments and heavy traffic.

A Unique Mughal-Era Gateway

Tripolia Gate, which literally means “triple gateway,” was built during the Mughal period by Nazir Mahaldar Khan in 1728–29.

Constructed using layers of brick and sandstone, the gateway is architecturally significant. What makes it particularly unique is its design — no other gateway in Delhi has a triple passage.

The only other historic gate in the city with more than one passage is Kashmere Gate, but even that does not feature the distinctive triple-arch structure of Tripolia Gate.

Encroachments and Traffic Chaos

Of the three passages of Tripolia Gate, only one remains open to traffic today. This has created frequent traffic congestion on the busy GT Karnal Road.

Meanwhile, the two closed passages are slowly being taken over by encroachments.

• On one side, mechanic shops have sprung up within the closed arches.

• On the other side, the space is being used as a parking lot by visitors to Gur Mandi and the Rana Pratap Bagh market.

These unauthorised uses not only damage the structure but also undermine the historical character of the monument.

Infrastructure Changes Causing Damage

Ironically, the very road meant to serve commuters is also harming the heritage structure.

The Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi, responsible for constructing and maintaining the road, has raised the road level over time. As a result, large vehicles such as trucks and buses brush against the gateway while passing through, causing further damage to the historic structure.

A Protected Monument, Yet Neglected

What makes the situation even more surprising is that Tripolia Gate is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

However, the ASI says that preservation of the monument cannot be handled by it alone. The agency believes coordinated action is needed from multiple authorities, including civic bodies and traffic management agencies.

According to the ASI:

• The municipal corporation should monitor encroachments and prevent the monument from being used as a garbage dump.

• The traffic police should ensure that there is no illegal parking around the gateway.

• The PWD should address the structural risks caused by road modifications.

Residents Demand Action

Concerned about the deteriorating condition of the monument, the Senior Citizens Welfare Association has repeatedly written to the ASI.

The residents’ group has urged authorities to take urgent remedial measures to restore and protect the historic gateway.

Unfortunately, despite several appeals, no meaningful action has yet been taken, leaving this unique Mughal-era structure to slowly fade into neglect.