With this, Delhi became the first in the country to have three World Heritage Sites -- the other two being Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar.

Interestingly, the UNESCO has also recognised the colonial structures built by the British inside the Fort complex. These buildings, in the UNESCO's words, represent a "phase of British military occupation". After the heritage status, these unused buildings are set to get interesting occupants -- uniforms, artefacts and other insignia showcasing not only colonial, but also significant chapters of Indian history. Two museums within the fort complex, the Mumtaz Mahal museum and the Indian war museum, which at the moment exhibit these artefacts, will now move into two of these buildings.

A senior official of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) said, "The world heritage status forbids us from making fresh construction in these sites. We had plans to expand the collection and now can do so because the colonial buildings offer more space." He said the renovation of these buildings have already started.

The Fort, for the first time, will have facilities for the disabled. A Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP), which is with the Director General's office, will soon be submitted to the Supreme Court on this. The court had asked a committee to look into the various possible ways to revamp the Fort. The ASI official said, "Accessibility to a heritage site is an important part of the CCMP. We shall install ramps and lifts wherever required." A lift is certain for the Prime Minister for his speech on August 15. Other lifts will be fixed in the Naubat Khana and the two entrances of the Delhi and Lahori Gate.