Two grainy photographs from a British military album in the 1940s that capture the ‘Lodi Road Transmitting Station’ in Delhi. At first glance, the pictures seem quite innocuous; a white building façade on top and just under, heavy machinery in a large hall. However, during the Second World War, this was a crucial hub in the British Empire’s communication network. The Lodi Road station, manned by British and Indian army personnel, would have transmitted encrypted messages, received dispatches etc. The two photos therefore, offer a rare glimpse into the hidden wartime infrastructure of, and within, Delhi.
Where the building and its heavy machinery went after the war or post 1947 is a mystery. Perhaps, behind Lodhi colony’s big arches somewhere? If you know, do give me a shout.
See you next week.
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