New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Kartavya Path on Thursday at 7pm. He will also unveil the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate on the occasion. In its pursuit of doing away with the colonial past, the Modi government will replace erstwhile Rajpath with Kartavya Path “being an example of public ownership and empowerment.” “These steps are in line with Prime Minister’s second ‘Panch Pran’ for New India in Amrit Kaal: ‘remove any trace of colonial mindset,” read the official press release by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Kartavya Path has also been made to solve the problem of traffic and public disruptions that occur during Republic Day parade and other National events being held at erstwhile Rajpath.
Other issues cropping at Rajpath have also been kept in mind while designing the Kartavya Path.
Increasing traffic of visitors on Rajpath and adjoining areas of Central Vista, putting stress on infrastructure, lack of basic amenities like public toilets and drinking water, unavailability of street furniture and parking space, inadequate signage, poor maintenance of water features and haphazard parking have been mitigated with the construction of Kartavya Path.
“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. 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,” the press release added.
The PM will also unveil the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a 28-feet tall statue weighing 65 metric tons and crafted by Arun Yogiraj. The statue has been installed at the same place where a hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled by the PM earlier this year on Parakram Diwas, January 23.
“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,” the press release said.