Pune: Sinhagad Fort Development Plan Meeting to Be Held Within 15 Days, Says Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar
Mumbai, 25th March 2025: Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced in the state legislature that a meeting to discuss the development plan for Sinhagad Fort will be held within the next 15 days. The meeting aims to address the conservation needs of the historic fort and improve facilities for the thousands of tourists who visit daily.
Responding to a question raised by Khadakwasla MLA Bhimrao Tapkir during a legislative session, Shelar acknowledged the importance of the issue and the current poor condition of the fort, including deteriorating steps for visitors. The minister emphasized the need for a coordinated effort among four departments that jointly own the fort: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Maharashtra Forest Department, Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) and the Pune District Collector’s Office.
Shelar also revealed that work orders worth Rs 6 Crore have already been issued for various improvement projects at the fort. These include the conservation of the ‘Wada’ in the Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Samadhi area, construction and maintenance of toilets on a contract basis, and repairs to the Kalyan Gate. Some of these works have already commenced, while others are set to begin soon.
The announcement comes as a response to growing concerns about the fort’s condition and the lack of adequate facilities for visitors. Sinhagad Fort, a popular tourist destination near Pune, holds significant historical importance and attracts a large number of visitors despite its current state of disrepair.
The upcoming meeting, to be chaired by the Guardian Minister, is expected to bring together officials from all relevant departments to formulate a comprehensive development plan for the fort.
