New Delhi: In a landmark move that underscores the evolving security priorities for India’s iconic monuments, the Red Fort complex is set to receive its first-ever CCTV surveillance system. The decision, delayed for nearly seven years due to objections from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has finally been cleared in the aftermath of the November 10 terror attack near the 17th-century UNESCO heritage site.

The Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fortification and one of India’s most visited tourist destinations, has long been recognized for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. However, despite hosting thousands of visitors annually and serving as a site for national events, it had remarkably remained without modern surveillance infrastructure—until now. Security officials cite the increasing threat perception in recent months as the primary driver behind the decision to finally install CCTV cameras across the complex.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the decision to move forward with CCTV installation followed multiple high-level meetings involving the Intelligence Bureau (IB), ASI, Delhi Police, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides internal security at the fort, and the Union Home Ministry. These consultations sought to reconcile the need for modern surveillance with the imperative of preserving the heritage integrity of the monument.

“In the first phase, 150 CCTV cameras are being installed across strategic locations within the complex. Until now, there was not a single camera within the fort. The ASI has approved the proposal and will closely assist with the installation to ensure the monument’s structural and aesthetic integrity is preserved,” said an official, requesting anonymity.

The move comes against a backdrop of rising terror threats targeting the Red Fort and its vicinity. Security agencies have noted that intelligence inputs in recent months, including post-Operation Sindoor alerts, suggested that terror groups—particularly the Jaish-e-Mohammed—had a renewed interest in the historic site. The November 10 terror attack, which killed 11 people including the suicide bomber, is believed to have intensified concerns over potential attempts on the fort itself.

Officials said the installation of CCTV cameras is part of a broader strategy to strengthen security infrastructure around the monument. In addition to cameras, authorities have decided to deploy more police personnel at key entry gates and install high-mast floodlights in August 15 Park and Madhav Das Park, both of which lie outside the fort’s ramparts. These measures aim to eliminate vulnerable spots and ensure continuous monitoring, especially during evening hours.

“The security forces and police have received permission to install the lights in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the monument. The installation work at both parks is expected to be completed within the next week. Combined with the CCTV cameras, this will significantly enhance surveillance and reduce blind spots,” the official added.

The terror threat assessment gained further urgency after investigators examined the movements of the November 10 suicide bomber, Umar un Nabi, who was part of the so-called Pulwama-Faridabad terror module, reportedly comprising medical professionals. CCTV footage from a parking lot adjacent to the Sunheri Mosque, near the Red Fort’s perimeter, showed Nabi remaining in the area for nearly three hours with an explosives-laden vehicle.

Officials revealed that the proximity of the parking lot to the Red Fort walls and the bomber’s actions indicated a possible intent to attack the monument. “From the CCTV footage and the pattern of movement, it appears that he was planning something near the Red Fort. Terror groups have long been fixated on the site due to its symbolic significance,” said another official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

However, Nabi did not carry out an attack on the fort itself. Investigators believe that logistical constraints, including the fortified access points and restricted civilian movement at the main entrance, prevented him from executing an assault that could have caused significant damage or civilian casualties. Security at the Delhi Gate and main entrance ensured that civilian and tourist vehicles could not access critical zones, limiting potential targets.

The current security upgrades aim to address such vulnerabilities preemptively. Beyond the immediate CCTV installation, officials said that the broader surveillance plan would include integrated monitoring with nearby police stations and CISF control rooms, ensuring real-time tracking of suspicious movements and rapid response capabilities. This level of coordination, they explained, is critical for heritage sites like the Red Fort, where public access must be balanced with stringent security protocols.

The implementation of surveillance infrastructure at a monument as sensitive as the Red Fort required careful negotiation with the ASI, which had long resisted modern interventions that could interfere with the structural or visual integrity of heritage structures. Preservation concerns have historically slowed technological upgrades in many historical sites across India. This phase of CCTV installation represents a rare instance where heritage authorities and security agencies have reached a consensus to integrate modern technology within a protected site.

Security analysts say that the Red Fort’s symbolic value—hosting India’s Independence Day celebrations and other national events—makes it a high-priority target for extremist elements. The combination of surveillance cameras, increased personnel, and floodlight coverage is intended not only to deter potential attacks but also to enable intelligence and rapid response teams to detect threats early.

“This initiative is a significant step forward in monument security,” said a security expert familiar with the planning. “For years, iconic heritage sites like the Red Fort have relied on static security measures. Integrating real-time surveillance will provide actionable intelligence and enhance coordination between multiple agencies during high-risk events.”

The Red Fort upgrade is also part of a larger trend in India, where authorities are increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions to protect high-value public spaces from both terrorist threats and organized crime. While the decision may set a precedent for heritage sites across the country, officials emphasize that care will be taken to ensure that cameras and lights do not detract from the aesthetic or historical significance of the fort.

Installation is expected to be completed in phases, with the first 150 cameras forming the backbone of a larger, integrated security network. Additional enhancements, including advanced monitoring systems and analytics tools, are reportedly being evaluated for subsequent phases. These measures will allow security agencies to detect unusual patterns of behavior, track suspicious individuals, and coordinate responses across multiple agencies, including local police, CISF, and intelligence units.

The decision to modernize security at the Red Fort also comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation, which targeted terror bases in Pakistan, highlighted the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region and underscored the need for domestic preventive measures. Officials said that intelligence gained from monitoring recent terror activities played a pivotal role in accelerating the implementation of modern security infrastructure at the fort.

For visitors and tourists, the new measures are expected to enhance overall safety without interfering with access to the monument. Authorities have assured that camera placement and lighting installation will respect the heritage character of the site, maintaining the balance between preservation and protection.

In conclusion, the Red Fort complex’s adoption of CCTV surveillance marks a historic shift in the way India approaches security at its iconic monuments. The integration of technology, alongside traditional security measures, aims to prevent attacks, monitor crowds, and provide rapid response capabilities. Months after the November 10 terror attack, the move represents both a proactive step in safeguarding national heritage and a response to evolving security challenges in the country. With the first phase underway, the Red Fort will, for the first time, enjoy a level of surveillance befitting its symbolic and strategic importance.