Samvaad: Exclusive Interview with Union Urban & Housing Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Sep 29,2022

New Delhi’s Rajpath, the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, has been renamed as Kartavya Path. The new name – Kartavya Path – comes in line with PM Modi’s thrust on shedding names and symbols reminiscent of the British era and the last vestiges of colonialism. 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.