Home To The Red Light District, Here's A Lowdown On GB Road

Garstin Bastion Road or GB Road is one of the most well-known stretches of Delhi, lying between Ajmeri Gate and Lahori Gate in the Walled City of Old Delhi, notorious as well as recognized for several reasons. Firstly, all sorts of automotive parts are sold here. Secondly, it is also the 'red-light' district of Delhi with a high concentration of prostitution and the business of sex being plied here.  

What's In A Name

The road is named after a British officer of the East India Company. Legend has it that during the Mughal era, there were five distinct red-light areas in the city, but under British rule, they merged into one - GB Road. In 1956, the road was also renamed Swami Shraddhanand Marg, and today it is known by both names.

Getting Here

If you’re using the metro, your station would be New Delhi Station on the Yellow Line (Millennium City Centre Gurugram towards Jahangirpuri). Take Exit 3, the one that says Ajmeri Gate or Kamala Market. Once out, ignore the cries of the many rickshawalas. If you hear them carefully, they will NOT mention GB Road in their list of names of places they could take you to. Of course, if you ask them, they will take you through. 

Once out of the station, turn left. Walk straight till you reach a massive crossing; cross the road, and Ajmeri Gate should be on your right. Enter the road that says ‘Swami Shradhanand Marg’ - that’s GB Road.

A Walkthrough

Walking through the road is an interesting experience, especially if you’re a girl. Upon entering, you may receive warnings from well-meaning individuals advising you to avoid the area due to its reputation as a red-light district. However, don’t be deterred - continue on your way.

During the day, the road is teeming with people buying and selling auto parts. You will come across a couple of juice stands and chai wallahs and some affordable restro bars. 

What Lies Beneath

Above mechanics and automotive shops are dilapidated balconies, bright colours on the walls and once-upon-a-time pretty balconies with intricately designed balustrades or windows with wire mesh. Behind those windows and balconies, you will notice a line of clothes hanging out to dry and faces – brightly and garishly painted. 

Women and girls up on those balconies and windows stand huddled together, if they make eye contact with you, they will wave at you, beckoning you to come up to them. These are the ladies GB Road is notorious for. 

Going by the accounts of people, these ladies are extremely polite and face several hassles with basic needs such as water and electricity. Prostitution is a job and sometimes, the only source of income for them. Hygiene is expensive but important for them. Since organized prostitution is illegal in India, their lives are always tethered to uncertainty. 

A walk here can be as interesting as you want it to be, and is certainly an experience in itself!