The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Wednesday approved a proposal to rename Rajpath as 'Kartavya Path'.

Lok Sabha MP and NDMC member Meenakshi Lekhi said the proposal was approved in a special meeting of the NDMC Council.

"We have approved the proposal to rename Rajpath as Kartavya Path in the special Council meeting today," Lekhi said.

NDMC Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay said the proposal was received from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

He said now the entire stretch and the area from the Netaji statue at India Gate to the Rashtrapati Bhavan will be known as 'Kartavya Path'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate ‘Kartavya Path’ and unveil the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate on 8 September, symbolising a paradigm shift- erstwhile Rajpath, etymologically, is an icon of power while Kartavya Path signifies public ownership and empowerment.

This will be in line with the PM’s ‘Panch Pran’ doctrine- the removal of any trace of the colonial mindset.

Prime Minister Modi will also unveil the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate on the occasion.

While Rajpath and adjoining areas of Central Vista Avenue were bursting at seams owing to the increasing pressure of traffic, visitors, inadequate infrastructure, lacking basic amenities such as public toilets, drinking water, street furniture and adequate parking space.

The redevelopment has ensured that national celebrations such as the Republic Day parade can be conducted in a less disruptive manner with minimal restrictions on public movement.

The redevelopment has continued with the integrity of architectural character.

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.

Image courtesy: Business Standard