Rajpath
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Kartavya Path | |
Status | Heritage status |
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Rajpath, officially named Kartavya Path
After climbing Raisina Hill, Rajpath is flanked by the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat Building. Finally it ends at the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan. At Vijay Chowk it crosses Sansad Marg, and the Parliament House of India can be seen to the right when coming from the India Gate.
It is also used for the funeral processions of key political leaders of India.
Name and history
In 1911 the British Imperial Government and the Viceregal administration determined that the capital of the
Most of the buildings surrounding the Rajpath were designed by Lutyens and the second architect of the project,
Name
When built, the road was named King's Way, or Kingsway, in honour of the Emperor of India
Following the
In September 2022, Rajpath was redeveloped under Central Vista Redevelopment Project and renamed Kartavya Path.[1]
Landmarks
- The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. It was the viceroy's residence before Indian independence.
- North Block and South Block, also called the Secretariat Building. North Block houses the offices of Finance and Home ministries. South Block hosts External affairs and Defense ministries. Other important offices like some of the Prime Ministers Offices are also in the Secretariat Buildings.
- Vijay Chowk is a spacious plaza and the site of Beating the Retreat ceremony, which takes place on 29 January each year, which marks the end of Republic Day celebrations, in which Military Bands, Pipes and Drums Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands of the Navy and Air Force take part, with the President of India as the Chief Guest.[4]
- First World War and the Second Anglo-Afghan War. It is also India's memorial of the unknown soldier.
- National War Memorial, built to honour and remember soldiers of the Indian military who fought in armed conflicts of independent India. Since Independence, more than 25,000 soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces have been killed in various conflicts, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
Redevelopment
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project started construction on 4 February 2021 and is planned to be finished in 2026 in phases.[5]
On 8 September 2022, the redeveloped Boulevard was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A number of new features like planned landscapes, lawns with walkways, green spaces, refurbished canals, amenity blocks, improved signages and vending kiosks, new pedestrian underpasses, improved parking spaces, new exhibition panels, and upgraded night lighting were added.[6]
New sustainability features like solid waste management, storm-water management, recycling unit, rainwater harvesting, water conservation and energy efficient lighting systems were implemented. Foldable seats were added for the annual Republic Day parade.[6]
Gallery
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Vijay Chowk at Rajpath, with Secretariat Building in the background, New Delhi, the venue of the Beat Retreat ceremony
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North and South Block of the Secretariat Building illuminated
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Old Parliament House as seen from the Rajpath
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North Block of the Secretariat Building seen from Rajpath
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South Block of the Secretariat Building seen from Rajpath
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Rashtrapati Bhavan seen from Rajpath
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Panoramic view of Rajpath
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Indian Naval contingent marching on the Rajpath during Delhi Republic Day parade
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A band performance at India'sVijay Chowkin 2018.
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International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2018
References
- ^ ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- ^ "Rajpath to make way for Kartavya Path: How India is stepping away from its colonial past". Firstpost. 6 September 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
- ISBN 978-0-670-08482-1.
- ^ "Curtain Raiser – Beating Retreat Ceremony 2011". Ministry of Defence. 28 January 2011.
- ^ "Rajpath redevelopment project begins". The Hindu. 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Kingsway, Rajpath, Kartavya Path: from 'right to rule' to 'duty to serve'". The Indian Express. 6 September 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.