Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Delhi Flyover Ruins May Reveal Lost Mughal-Era Sarai
A very old building may be hidden under a flyover in Delhi.
It could be Sarai Juliana, a resting place built around 1720.
Travellers and their animals once stopped there during long journeys.
The sarai was built by Dona Juliana Dias da Costa, a Portuguese woman who had an important role in the Mughal court.
Only parts of its walls, an arch and a well can be seen today.
The bricks and the old well help experts identify the possible building.
Officials are planning to consider it for heritage protection.
If recognized, the remains could become an officially protected historical site.
The discovery may help people remember the history behind the name Sarai Julena.
Ruins beneath Delhi’s Modi Mill flyover may be remnants of Sarai Juliana, an 18th-century travellers’ inn.
The sarai was reportedly built in Okhla in 1720 by Dona Juliana Dias da Costa, a Portuguese woman connected to the Mughal court.
Surviving features include walls, an arched opening, Lakhori bricks, stone fragments and a water-holding well.
The MCD Heritage Cell is considering notifying the structure as a heritage site.
Researchers say the sarai served travellers and animals along the historic route linking Delhi with northern and eastern regions.
- Who
- The MCD Heritage Cell and researchers are examining possible remains of Sarai Juliana, built by Dona Juliana Dias da Costa.
- What
- Ruins beneath a Delhi flyover may be the remains of an 18th-century sarai, or travellers’ inn.
- When
- The sarai was reportedly built in 1720; the report was dated August 22.
- Where
- Beneath the Modi Mill flyover on Mathura Road in Delhi, near Sarai Julena in southeast Delhi.
- Why
- The sarai was built to provide lodging for travellers and their animals along a major historic road, and officials are considering heritage recognition for the remains.
- Possible monument
- Sarai Juliana
- Reported construction
- 1720, during the reign of Muhammad Shah “Rangeela”
- Builder
- Dona Juliana Dias da Costa
- Surviving features
- Wall sections, an arched opening, Lakhori bricks, stone fragments and a well
- Estimated size
- At least 15 rooms, with separate animal areas and kitchen arrangements
- Current status
- The MCD is planning to consider notifying the structure as a heritage site
- Historic route
- The site stood along the road network associated with the Sadak-e-Azam, later linked to the Grand Trunk Road