Central Vista Avenue inauguration today: 10 things to know about Kartavya Path

Central Vista Avenue inauguration: Kartavya Path - the new name of Rajpath -- a stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, will be inaugurated today, September 8, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides, PM Modi will also unveil a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate. The event will take place in the evening between 6 pm to 9 pm. The Dehi Traffic Police has made arrangements to ensure smooth movement of traffic in central Delhi. Restrictions have been imposed on the movement of vehicles in the vicinity. General traffic movement near India Gate will be diverted from specific roads from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Kartavya Path: 10 things to know 

1. Kartavya Path, according to the government, symbolises a shift from erstwhile Rajpath being an icon of power to public ownership and empowerment. The Rajpath has been revamped under the Modi government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project and will have amenities like public toilets, drinking water, street furniture, adequate signage and adequate parking space.

2. The CPWD has set up five vending zones where 40 vendors each will be allowed and two blocks near the India Gate with eight shops each. Some states have shown their interest to set up their food stalls.

3. The need to redeveloped Rajpath was also felt to organise the Republic Day parade and other national events in a less disruptive manner with minimal restrictions on public movement.

4. 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.

5. According to a PTI report, 19 acres of total canal area have been revamped. They have been fitted with infrastructure such as aerators. There are 16 bridges on the entire stretch. Boating will be allowed in two canals -- one near Krishi Bhawan and another around Vanijya Bhawan.

6. Along the Rajpath, the area spreading 3.90 lakh square metre has been developed with greenery all around. Also, the new red granite walkways spreading 15.5 km have been created, replacing bajri sand that lined the ground earlier.

7. 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.

8. Seventy-four historic light poles and all chain links have been restored. Over 900 new light poles have been installed. Concrete bollards have been replaced with over 1,000 white sandstone bollards to maintain the precinct's character.

9. Over 400 benches, 150 dustbins and more than 650 new signages have been installed on the entire stretch. One hundred and one acres of lawns have been replanted with different species of grass, appropriate to their location. Proper slopes and drain channels have been integrated to minimise damage caused by the stagnation of water.

10. Four new pedestrian underpasses have been built at busy junctions to segregate vehicular traffic from pedestrian movement, making the street safe to cross. Tall amenity blocks and underpasses have ramps with railings at suitable heights for safe use by children and the specially abled.

The redevelopment project of the Central Vista -- the nation's power corridor -- envisages 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 enclave.

With PTI Inputs