Rajpath Is Now Kartavya Path With All These Amenities
PM Narendra Modi, on 8th September, inaugurated the newly named Kartavya Path - which was earlier called Rajpath.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8th September 2022 inaugurated the newly named Kartavya Path - a stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate that will have red granite walkways with greenery all around, refurbished canals, state-wise food stalls, new amenity blocks and vending machines. According to the government, it symbolises a shift from Rajpath being an icon of power to Kartavya Path being an example of public ownership and empowerment. PM Modi also unveiled a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate. The entire stretch has been redeveloped under the Modi government's Central Vista redevelopment project.
In a statement, the Prime Ministers office said over the years, Rajpath and adjoining areas of the Central Vista Avenue had been witnessing pressure of increasing traffic of visitors, putting stress on its infrastructure.
It lacked basic amenities like public toilets, drinking water, street furniture, and adequate parking space. Also, a need was felt to organise the Republic Day parade and other national events in a less disruptive manner with minimal restrictions on public movement. The statement added, "The redevelopment has been done bearing these concerns in mind while also ensuring the integrity and continuity of architectural character. Further, new pedestrian underpasses, improved parking spaces, new exhibition panels and upgraded night lighting are some other features that will enhance the public experience. An official in the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said there would be heavy deployment of police personnel and security guards to ensure that there is no theft and damage to newly installed facilities. Around 80 security guards will keep an eye on the stretch.
The official said that 19 acres of total canal area have been redeveloped. There are 16 bridges on the entire stretch. Boating will be allowed in two canals - one near Krishi Bhawan and another around Vanijya Bhawan. The official said maintaining cleanliness will be a challenge as people in a large number will throng the Rajpath, which is considered as the most popular public space in the city. "We appealed to people to maintain cleanliness. Large teams of sanitation workers will be deployed," the official said. Along the Rajpath, the area spreading 3.90 lakh square metre has been developed with greenery all around. Another official said that parking space for 1,125 vehicles have been created in the entire stretch. A parking space for 35 buses has been created near the India Gate. Seventy-four historic light poles and all chain links have been restored. Over 900 new light poles have been installed. According to the ministry, over 400 benches, 150 dustbins and more than 650 new signages have been installed on the entire stretch. 101 acres of lawns have been replanted with different species of grass, appropriate for their location. Proper slopes and drain channels have been integrated to minimise damage caused by the stagnation of water. The redevelopment project of the Central Vista - includes a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping the three-km Rajpath, a new Prime Minister's residence and office, and a new vice-president's house. What do you think about this redevelopment & renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
