PM inaugurates ‘Kartavya Path’, unveils statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate

New Delhi. Declaring that the “colonial name of King’s Way has now been renamed”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Central Vista corridor in the heart of the national capital that will now be known as Kartavya Path, along which the annual Republic Day Parade is conducted on January 26.

He also unveiled the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose installed behind India Gate, describing it as a historic occasion when the country has done away with relics of the colonial past.

“The colonial name of King’s Way (Rajpath) has now been renamed as Kartavya Path,” Modi said.

“During the British era, there was a statue of King George V installed under the canopy situated behind India Gate. This now has been replaced with Netaji’s statue,” he added.

Netaji “had vision and capability and was a towering personality. He was pride of India’s heritage. Had India tread on Bose’s path after Independence, it would have reached great heights,” the Prime Minister said.

“Netaji’s ideas and relics too were forgotten after Independence. However his statue will now be a symbol of inspiration for the entire country,” he added.

Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri and Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy were present on the dias with Modi. Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda and several cabinet ministers were also present on the occasion.

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. 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. The redevelopment has been done bearing these concerns in mind while also ensuring the integrity and continuity of architectural character.

Kartavya Path comprises beautified landscapes, lawns with walkways, added green spaces, refurbished canals, new amenity blocks, improved signages and vending kiosks. New pedestrian underpasses, improved parking spaces, new exhibition panels and upgraded night lighting are some other features that enhance the public experience.

This 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 statue of Netaji has been installed in the same place where his hologram statue was unveiled by Modi on Parakram Diwas, January 23.

The statue, made of granite, is a fitting tribute to the immense contribution of Netaji to the 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.