The heritage building of the Lahori Gate Museum which was in very poor condition for the past few years, has been restored and will be ready to host tourists and foreigners for showcasing the cultural delight of the old Delhi.
According to former union minister Vijay Goel, the building was inaugurated in 2003 and Rs 50 lakhs were invested in the Member of Parliament Local Area Development scheme. However, the building later deteriorated and fell into disrepair.
Subsequently, Goel brought in Rs 4 crore in funding from the Ministry of Culture, which has supported ongoing work on the project for several years. He mentioned that the location once housed a dilapidated dispensary.
He has been persistently working for the last 24 years to restore the site and establish a quality museum.
Goel said that the museum will be completed within a year and will allow tourists, particularly international visitors, to witness a detailed glimpse of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk.
“This will include representations of the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Town Hall, traditional havelis, and temples of various religions. Additionally, there will be insights into Chandni Chowk’s markets, food, and lifestyle,” he said.
He added that the museum will also showcase sections dedicated to Kirana markets, dry fruits, handicrafts, and the famous Meena Bazaar.
“There will be images and sculptures reflecting ancient culture and heritage. Alongside the museum, there will also be an interpretation center and a souvenir shop. Tourists will be able to learn about Chandni Chowk here and then go on to explore the various parts of it. There will also be guides and food services available,” Goel said.
He further shared that over the next six months, artisans and materials will be brought in from distant places to decorate the museum — items that are not available locally in Chandni Chowk.
The aim is to showcase authentic heritage artifacts. The project is being executed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, while the funding is being arranged by former Union Minister and two-time MP from Chandni Chowk, Vijay Goel, through coordination with various MPs.
