New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the erstwhile Rajpath as ‘Kartavya Path’ on 8th September, 2022 at 7 PM, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Wednesday.
Rajpath runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill to National Stadium in New Delhi.
“It symbolises a shift from erstwhile Rajpath being an icon of power to Kartavya Path being an example of public ownership and empowerment,” the PMO said.
“As we complete 75 yrs of Independence, it is only fitting to shed the colonial baggage & move towards India@100 in the #AmritKaal w our own legacy. The renaming of “Rajpath” to “Kartavyapath” is a reminder that d spirit of public service is not “right to rule” but “duty to serve,” Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi said on Twitter.
Also Read: Stalin stands with Rahul Gandhi, reiterates anti BJPism as his political & electoral strategy
According to the statement, PM will also unveil the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate on the occasion.
“These steps are in line with Prime Minister’s second ‘Panch Pran’ for New India in Amrit Kaal: ‘remove any trace of colonial mindset’.”
“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,” PMO said, adding that it lacked basic amenities like public toilets, drinking water, street furniture and adequate parking space.
Further, there was inadequate signage, poor maintenance of water features and haphazard parking. 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.
Also Read: Govts can’t provide security to private hospitals; they operate like business: SC
“The redevelopment has been done bearing these concerns in mind while also ensuring the integrity and continuity of architectural character,” the PMO added.
Kartavya Path will exhibit beautified landscapes, lawns with walkways, added green spaces, refurbished canals, new amenity blocks, improved signages and vending kiosks.
Further, new pedestrian underpasses, improved parking spaces, new exhibition panels and upgraded night lighting are some other features that will enhance the public experience, PMO said.
It also includes a number of sustainability features like solid waste management, stormwater management, recycling of used water, rainwater harvesting, water conservation and energy efficient lighting systems, among others.
Also Read: DCGI authorizes Bharat Biotech’s intranasal Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use
The statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is being installed in the same place where a hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled earlier this year on Parakram Diwas (January 23) by PM.
PMO said that the statue, made of granite, is a fitting tribute to the immense contribution of Netaji to our freedom struggle, and would be a symbol of the country’s indebtedness to him.
Crafted by Arun Yogiraj, who was the main sculptor, the 28 feet tall statue has been carved from a monolithic granite stone and weighs 65 MT.
