Gandhinagar: The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) has invited bids for the restoration and conservation of the historic Indroda Fort, a project aimed at turning the ageing structure into a cultural landmark. With an estimated project cost of ₹11.6 crore (excluding GST), the initiative seeks to blend heritage preservation with modern public amenities.

A Vision for the Future

The proposed plan goes beyond basic repairs, envisioning the fort as a multi-use space for residents and tourists alike. According to project layouts prepared by The Grid Architects, the restored fort will include:

Cultural spaces: A dedicated gallery, an amphitheatre, and designated seating areas.

Leisure amenities: A cafeteria with kitchen facilities, a gazebo, and a stable with lounging areas.

Infrastructure improvements: A new CC road, extensive public parking facilities, and advanced illumination and electrical works.

Authentic Heritage Restoration

A key highlight of the project is its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship. Unlike conventional construction, the restoration will utilise authentic materials and techniques to preserve the fort’s historic character.

Traditional mortars: Lime mortar blended with traditional additives such as gugul, methi, and rumimastagi water for enhanced strength and durability.

Heritage materials: Use of heritage-type bricks (2″ x 3″ x 8″) and pink sandstone flooring.

Natural cleaning methods: Existing masonry will be cleaned using natural extracts such as aritha, googal powder, and tamarind to remove moss and algae without damaging the original stonework.

Specialised “plastic repair”: Ornamental features such as cornices and mouldings will be restored using a mortar-based “plastic repair” technique designed to retain as much of the original historic fabric as possible.

Structural Strengthening

The project will address critical structural concerns, including the restoration of collapsed and deteriorated walls. Technical specifications include extensive foundational work, such as boring for cast-in-situ piles up to a depth of 10 metres to ensure long-term stability.

Timeline and Execution

The GMC has set a completion timeline of 18 months, inclusive of the monsoon season. To maintain quality standards, the selected contractor must deploy technically qualified personnel, including at least two graduate civil engineers and three diploma civil engineers. A three-year defect liability period has also been mandated to ensure durability and accountability.

Located near Indroda Park, the restoration project is expected to significantly enhance Gandhinagar’s heritage landscape while creating a visually striking public space for the community. DeshGujarat