Pune: During a visit to Pune on Thursday, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced support for the restoration and conservation of the iconic Shaniwar Wada fort — a prominent 18th-century Maratha landmark and one of Pune’s most frequented heritage sites.
The minister toured the historic structure and launched a multilingual audio guide to enhance the experience for tourists. The initiative was facilitated by Pune MP Medha Kulkarni, who invited Shekhawat to assess the fort’s current state and emphasize the urgency of its preservation.
“Shaniwar Wada stands as a powerful emblem of our rich cultural past and the Maratha Empire’s legacy after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Shekhawat said. He confirmed that a formal restoration proposal has been submitted by Kulkarni in collaboration with local agencies, and the Centre is actively considering it.
Highlighting the complexities of working on protected heritage structures, Shekhawat acknowledged the stringent guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “We are committed to complying with ASI norms while finding innovative solutions to improve visitor facilities without compromising the monument’s integrity,” he stated.
MP Medha Kulkarni underscored the need to revive Pune’s historical pride through educational and visual tools. She revealed that plans are underway to recreate a replica of the original Shaniwar Wada and to establish an art gallery showcasing illustrations of lost architectural elements like Ganpati Mahal.
She further shared that the Union Minister had assured her of close coordination with the ASI to speed up necessary approvals and advance the project efficiently.
Once the grand seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, Shaniwar Wada remains a cultural and tourist magnet. The proposed restoration aims to elevate heritage tourism in the region while safeguarding its historical authenticity.
