Lahore Fort’s Historic Akbari Gate to Reopen After Nearly 200 Years

Lahore Fort's iconic Akbari Gate, which had been closed for nearly two centuries, is set to reopen to the public in December. The gate, constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, remained inaccessible under British rule. A restoration project initiated in 2023 aimed to restore the gate's original architectural features and prepare it for tourism and public use.

Standing on the eastern side of the historic Lahore Fort, the entrance once served as a pathway for residents, traders, and royal delegations to access the fort complex. Director of Conservation Wajahat Ali Khan revealed that the gate was part of the fort's earliest structures, with the surrounding area eventually expanding east to west as the complex grew.

When the British took control, they shut down the Akbari Gate as part of their administrative policies, asserting their authority over the region. The restoration, a joint effort between the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority, the French Development Agency, and the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, involved removing plaster layers introduced during the Sikh and British periods.

Beneath these layers, conservators discovered historic frescoes depicting Hindu deities, which required special attention during the restoration process. Heavy wooden gates, which had become misaligned after years of disuse, were repaired and restored to their original function. Additionally, an access route and slope were constructed to facilitate smoother entry from the Rim Market side.

The project also uncovered an old drainage system in the courtyard, which was integrated into the restoration plan. Visitors will now have access to a ticketing cabin on the ground floor, a gallery displaying historical photographs and documents on the first floor, and a CCTV monitoring room. Wheelchair access will be provided through a ramp, along with parking facilities.

Lahore Fort's in-charge Awais Raza expressed optimism that residents would soon be able to enter the fort via the historic route once the Akbari Gate reopens. While preserving historic buildings remains a priority, efforts are also underway to adapt the site for various public uses, including galleries, cafés, and other facilities.