New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 'Kartavya Path' and unveil a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate at 7 pm on Thursday.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the move symbolises a shift from erstwhile Rajpath being an icon of power to ‘Kartavya Path’ being an example of public ownership and empowerment.

"Prime Minister will also unveil the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate on the occasion. These steps are in line with Prime Minister's second ‘Panch Pran’ for New India in ‘Amritkaal’: remove any trace of colonial mindset," the statement said.

Over the years, Rajpath and adjoining areas of Central Vista Avenue had been witnessing pressure of increasing traffic of visitors, putting stress on its infrastructure.

The 'kartavya Path' will have adequate signages and basic amenities

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

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the redeveloped Kartavya Path that will soon be opened for public use pic.twitter.com/YUoNXFToRL

— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2022

‘Kartavya Path’ will exhibit 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 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 statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, which will be unveiled by the Prime Minister, is being installed in the same place where a hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled earlier this year on ‘Parakram Diwas’ (January 23) by him.

The PM had tweeted on January 21, 2022 announcing the plan to instal a statue of Netaji at India Gate.

At a time when the entire nation is marking the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I am glad to share that his grand statue, made of granite, will be installed at India Gate. This would be a symbol of India’s indebtedness to him. pic.twitter.com/dafCbxFclK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2022

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The 28 feet statue, made of granite, has been crafted by Arun Yogiraj.