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Rajpath

Rajpath, meaning "King's Way" in Hindi, was the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi, India, extending from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk to India Gate, originally designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens as Kingsway during the early 20th-century construction of the imperial capital.^[1] In September 2022, the New Delhi Municipal Council formally renamed it Kartavya Path, or "Path of Duty," to symbolize a shift from colonial-era connotations toward civic responsibility and national empowerment, with the change encompassing the avenue and adjacent Central Vista lawns.^[2] The avenue, approximately two to three kilometers in length, features symmetrical Secretariat buildings, expansive lawns, and monumental axes, serving as the primary venue for India's Republic Day parade on January 26, where military contingents, tableaux from states, and cultural displays showcase national unity and military prowess.^[3] It also hosts the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 and other events like International Day of Yoga celebrations.^[4] Under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project initiated in 2020, the path underwent significant transformation starting in March 2021, including upgraded pedestrian walkways, canal restorations, and enhanced greenery, with the first phase completed for the 2022 Republic Day parade to improve accessibility and aesthetic appeal while preserving Lutyens' architectural legacy.^[5] The renaming and redevelopment drew mixed reactions, with proponents viewing it as decolonization and critics, including some opposition figures, dismissing it as superficial political maneuvering amid broader urban planning debates.^[6]

Etymology and Naming History

British Colonial Origins

The relocation of the British Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi was announced by King George V during the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911, with the foundation stone for the new imperial capital laid by the king and Queen Mary on December 15, 1911.^[7] This decision aimed to centralize administrative functions in a city with historical significance to Mughal rule, while establishing a distinctly British architectural presence to project imperial authority.^[8] British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker were commissioned to design the new capital, known as New Delhi, with Lutyens overseeing the overall layout including the grand ceremonial boulevard initially named Kingsway in honor of George V.^[9] ^[10] Kingsway formed the central axis of the vista, stretching approximately 3 kilometers from the Viceroy's House (later Rashtrapati Bhavan) at the western end to the All-India War Memorial (now India Gate) at the eastern terminus, flanked by Secretariat buildings designed by Baker.^[11] The avenue's design incorporated wide processional routes, hexagonal water channels, and symmetrical landscaping to evoke classical imperial grandeur, blending Edwardian Baroque with indigenous motifs to symbolize British dominion over Indian heritage.^[12] Construction of Kingsway commenced in the late 1910s and was largely completed by around 1920, though the full Central Vista ensemble extended into the 1930s amid delays from World War I and material shortages.^[10] ^[13] Intended for viceregal processions and military parades, it underscored the hierarchical spatial order of the colonial administration, with the elevated Viceroy's House dominating the vista to reinforce the separation between British rulers and Indian subjects.

Post-Independence Designation

Following India's independence on 15 August 1947, the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi previously designated as Kingsway under British colonial administration was renamed Rajpath.^[14]^[15] This change occurred shortly thereafter as part of initial efforts to replace English colonial names with Hindi equivalents in official usage.^[16] The term Rajpath directly translates to "king's path" or "royal way" in Hindi, constituting a linguistic indigenization rather than a substantive alteration in meaning from Kingsway.^[17]^[18] Proponents of the renaming viewed it as an act of appropriation, transforming a symbol of imperial authority into one aligned with the sovereign republic's state apparatus.^[16] However, the persistence of monarchical connotations in the name—despite India's republican constitution effective from 26 January 1950—has been critiqued in later analyses as indicative of partial continuity in symbolic frameworks rather than full decolonization.^[19] Under this designation, Rajpath functioned as the primary ceremonial route for national events, including the annual Republic Day parade commencing in 1951.^[15]

Renaming to Kartavya Path in 2022

The Indian government announced on September 5, 2022, its decision to rename the ceremonial boulevard known as Rajpath, along with the adjacent Central Vista lawns stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, as Kartavya Path.^[20] ^[21] The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) received the formal request from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on September 1, 2022, and unanimously approved the change in a special meeting on September 7, 2022.^[2] ^[22] Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Kartavya Path on September 8, 2022, marking the formal renaming and the boulevard's reopening after over 20 months of construction under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.^[17] ^[2] The renaming, timed with India's 75th year of independence under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, aimed to eliminate vestiges of colonial nomenclature—Rajpath having been originally designated Kingsway during British rule and retained post-1947 despite symbolizing "rule" or "raj."^[23] The term "Kartavya Path," translating to "Path of Duty," was selected to signify a departure from a colonial "slave mentality" toward an emphasis on citizens' responsibilities, as articulated in the Prime Minister's Office statement: the shift represents moving from an "icon of rule" to a "path of duty."^[24] ^[17] Modi described the renaming as erasing "another sign of slavery forever," linking it to broader decolonization efforts, including the unveiling of a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate during the same event.^[17] Government sources framed it as promoting a national ethos where duty precedes rights, aligning with constitutional principles under Article 51A outlining fundamental duties.^[24] Critics, however, have attributed alternative motives to the change, such as prioritizing state-imposed duties over individual rights, though official documentation emphasizes historical rectification and civic symbolism without endorsing such interpretations.^[25] The renaming applies specifically to the 2-kilometer stretch and lawns, preserving the boulevard's ceremonial function for events like Republic Day parades.^[3]

Architectural Design and Construction

Planning Phase (1911–1913)

Following the announcement by King George V at the Delhi Durbar on 12 December 1911 that the capital of British India would shift from Calcutta to Delhi, initial planning for the new imperial city commenced, focusing on site selection and urban layout to symbolize British authority while accommodating administrative functions.^[26] The decision prioritized Delhi's historical significance as a series of ancient capitals, with the new development sited south of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) on Raisina Hill to leverage elevated terrain for visibility and defense.^[12] In 1912, the British government formed the Delhi Town Planning Committee, tasked with developing a comprehensive scheme for the capital's layout, including major government buildings and processional avenues like the future Kingsway (later Rajpath), which was envisioned as the central ceremonial axis linking the viceroy's residence to a proposed war memorial.^[12] The committee, chaired by George Swinton and including architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, conducted surveys of potential sites and debated designs blending classical Western symmetry with Indian motifs, such as domes and chhatris, to project imperial grandeur amid local context.^[27] Lutyens joined in March 1912, bringing expertise from prior country house commissions, while Baker contributed experience in South African colonial architecture; their collaboration emphasized wide boulevards for parades and ventilation in Delhi's climate.^[12] By 1913, the committee issued preliminary reports and estimates, outlining a master plan that divided New Delhi into distinct zones: a government precinct dominated by the central vista (Kingsway), European residential areas, and segregated native quarters to maintain social hierarchy.^[28] Lutyens' evolving sketches for this period formalized Kingsway as a 2-mile-long, 300-foot-wide avenue flanked by secretariats and terminating at India Gate's precursor site, prioritizing axial geometry inspired by Versailles and Mughal gardens for symbolic processionals.^[29] These plans, ratified amid budgetary scrutiny, laid the groundwork for construction, though World War I delayed implementation until the 1920s.^[30] The phase reflected pragmatic site engineering, such as ridge excavation for alignment, but also imperial ambitions critiqued even then for extravagance amid fiscal constraints.^[31]

Construction and Key Architects

The construction of Rajpath, originally designated as Kingsway, formed a core element of the British imperial capital's development in New Delhi, with groundwork laid following the 1911 announcement shifting the capital from Calcutta. Detailed planning for the ceremonial boulevard and surrounding structures advanced after Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker were appointed as principal architects in 1913 by the British government.^[12] Actual site preparation and infrastructure works, including the avenue's alignment as a 3-kilometer central axis from Raisina Hill to what would become India Gate, intensified post-World War I, with major construction phases spanning the 1920s.^[11] ^[13] Lutyens, as the lead designer, conceptualized the boulevard's grand scale and geometric precision, drawing from classical European urbanism to symbolize imperial authority, with features like tree-lined expanses and monumental gateways integrated into the vista.^[32] Baker collaborated closely, particularly on the adjacent Secretariat buildings (North and South Blocks), completed by the late 1920s, which frame the avenue's approach to Raisina Hill and incorporate Mughal-inspired domes alongside neoclassical elements.^[11] Their partnership, though marked by tensions over site dominance—such as Baker's structures partially obstructing views from Lutyens's Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan)—resulted in the boulevard's completion by the early 1930s, coinciding with the capital's formal inauguration in 1931.^[33] Engineering efforts involved extensive earthworks, drainage systems, and canal diversions to level the terrain, overseen by imperial public works departments under Lutyens's supervision, with materials like red sandstone sourced locally to blend with indigenous aesthetics.^[34] The avenue's paving and landscaping, including lawns and ceremonial spaces, were finalized to accommodate processions, reflecting the architects' intent for a processional route akin to London's Kingsway, named in homage to Edward VII.^[11] No single "key engineer" beyond the architectural duo is prominently documented, as construction relied on coordinated British-Indian labor forces, though delays from wartime resource shortages extended timelines beyond initial projections.^[13]

Design Features and Symbolism

Rajpath consists of a 3-kilometer tree-lined boulevard extending from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, characterized by broad carriageways flanked by expansive lawns, formal gardens, water channels, and fountains that enhance its ceremonial scale.^[35] The layout follows a rigidly axial design, with the processional route aligned on a north-south axis from Raisina Hill toward the Yamuna River, incorporating focal nodes such as Vijay Chowk and terminating at the India Gate war memorial.^[35] This symmetry draws inspiration from European precedents like Paris's Champs-Élysées and Washington's National Mall, adapted to an imperial context with verdant landscaping to frame views of key structures.^[35] Edwin Lutyens orchestrated the overall boulevard as a "classic city planning instrument" emphasizing splendid symmetry, while Herbert Baker contributed the flanking Secretariat Buildings (North and South Blocks) at the base of the 22.5-degree inclined approach to Raisina Hill, ensuring visual subordination to Lutyens's elevated Rashtrapati Bhavan.^[35]^[36] Architectural motifs blend classical Greco-Roman elements—such as domes, columns, and porticos—with select Indian influences like chhatris and jaalis, though prioritized to evoke Western monumentality over indigenous forms.^[36] The design's symbolism centers on imperial assertion, with the descending vista from the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) symbolizing British dominion over the landscape and populace, the grand axis as the "King's Way" facilitating viceregal processions, and the elevated seat of power dominating the horizon to project unassailable authority.^[35]^[36] This configuration, including the deliberate incline obscuring yet framing the dome, reinforced a narrative of ordered hierarchy and cultural superiority under the Raj, integrating motifs to suggest a syncretic empire while maintaining colonial precedence.^[36] Post-1947, the unaltered features have supported republican symbolism through events like Republic Day parades, transforming the imperial processional route into a conduit for national sovereignty, though the inherent power dynamics of the axis endure.^[37]^[35]

Layout and Key Landmarks

Overall Layout

Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, constitutes a ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi spanning approximately 3 kilometers from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill to India Gate.^[38]^[39] The layout follows a straight, axial procession route designed for grand parades, flanked by wide ceremonial lawns, tree-lined avenues, and linear water channels that enhance its visual symmetry and grandeur.^[40] The boulevard begins at the elevated forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, descending via a gentle slope to Vijay Chowk, a circular plaza situated between the North Block and South Block of the Central Secretariat.^[41] From Vijay Chowk, the avenue extends eastward in a direct line, passing open vistas and terminating at the India Gate arch, which serves as the eastern focal point.^[42] This configuration integrates monumental buildings and open spaces within a geometric framework, emphasizing a hierarchical progression from the presidential residence to the war memorial. Structurally, the central carriageway measures 12 meters wide, accommodating vehicular processions, while granite-paved footpaths of 4.2 meters extend along both sides, bordered by expansive green expanses exceeding 100 acres in total area prior to recent developments.^[43] The design incorporates subtle gradients and alignments to frame key landmarks, such as the dome of Rashtrapati Bhavan visible from India Gate, reinforcing the boulevard's role as the ceremonial spine of Lutyens' Delhi.^[44]

Major Monuments and Structures

Rashtrapati Bhavan marks the western apex of Rajpath atop Raisina Hill, serving as the official residence of the President of India. Designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in collaboration with Herbert Baker, its construction began in 1912 and concluded in 1929, with inauguration in 1931.^[45]^[46]^[47] Descending from Raisina Hill, Rajpath passes between the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat Building, which accommodate ministries of the Government of India including finance and home affairs. These symmetrical edifices, designed by Herbert Baker, were erected from 1912 to 1927 in an Indo-Saracenic style.^[48] At Vijay Chowk, a circular intersection midway along the boulevard, the layout accommodates ceremonial gatherings, notably the annual Beating Retreat ceremony conducted by the armed forces.^[49] The eastern terminus encompasses the National War Memorial, dedicated to post-independence military casualties and inaugurated on 25 February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positioned immediately before India Gate. India Gate itself, a 42-meter sandstone arch designed by Edwin Lutyens, was built from 1921 to 1931 as a memorial to 74,187 Indian soldiers lost in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War of 1919.^[50]^[51]^[52]

Ceremonial and Functional Role

Republic Day Parades and National Events

Rajpath has served as the primary venue for India's annual Republic Day parade since the inaugural event on 26 January 1951, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. The parade features disciplined marches by contingents from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, and National Cadet Corps, alongside displays of indigenous weaponry, aircraft flypasts, and tableaux representing states, union territories, and ministries that highlight regional culture and developmental achievements. The event underscores national unity and military readiness, with the President of India as the chief guest taking the salute at Vijay Chowk.^[53]^[54] The parade route commences at Vijay Chowk near Rashtrapati Bhavan at approximately 10:30 AM, proceeding eastward along the 3-kilometer boulevard past the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat, the Parliament House vicinity, and other landmarks, culminating at India Gate for wreath-laying at the Amar Jawan Jyoti before extending toward Red Fort. This path allows spectators seated along the avenue to witness the procession, which typically lasts about 90 minutes and draws international dignitaries as special guests.^[55]^[56] The Republic Day festivities conclude with the Beating the Retreat ceremony on 29 January at Vijay Chowk, where massed bands of the three armed services perform traditional and contemporary Indian compositions, symbolizing the retreat of troops at dusk in military tradition. This event, attended by the President and other leaders, emphasizes cultural heritage through illumination of surrounding monuments like Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Secretariat buildings. Other national gatherings, such as large-scale International Day of Yoga events, have occasionally utilized the open spaces of Rajpath for public participation.^[57]^[58] ![A band performance at India's Beat Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk in 2018.](./assets/The_Band_performing_at_the_%E2%80%98Beating_Retreat%E2%80%99_ceremony%252C_at_Vijay_Chowk%252C_in_New_Delhi_on_January_29%252C_2018_%285)

Daily Usage and Accessibility Pre-Redevelopment

Prior to the Central Vista redevelopment initiated in 2019, Rajpath functioned primarily as a ceremonial boulevard but also accommodated substantial daily public usage, particularly for leisure and recreation along its 3-kilometer stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. The adjacent lawns and formal gardens, though originally designed for ceremonial purposes rather than intensive pedestrian activity, became popular sites for picnics, family outings, and relaxation, especially on weekends and evenings near India Gate, where crowds gathered to enjoy the open spaces despite the grass often becoming worn and patchy from overuse.^[35]^[59] Pedestrian accessibility was integrated with vehicular traffic, as Rajpath served as a major arterial road carrying heavy daily commuter and tourist flows, with sidewalks available but crossings reliant on traffic signals at key intersections like Vijay Chowk, lacking dedicated underpasses that contributed to safety concerns for walkers and joggers. Informal street vendors operated along the route, selling snacks, ice creams, and soft drinks, while boating activities occurred in the flanking canals, fostering a lively yet unregulated atmosphere amid the monumental surroundings.^[60]^[61] Security protocols restricted vehicle and foot access near sensitive government landmarks such as the North and South Blocks, with barriers and patrols enforcing no-entry zones during non-event periods to protect Rashtrapati Bhavan and parliamentary areas, though the public-facing segments toward India Gate remained generally open without entry fees or permits for routine visits. This dual role—ceremonial thoroughfare by design but de facto urban park in practice—resulted in environmental strain on the lawns and pathways, as noted in planning assessments highlighting inadequate facilities for the volume of daily visitors exceeding design capacities.^[62]^[35]

Redevelopment under Central Vista Project

Project Initiation and Objectives (2019 Onward)

The Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which included the overhaul of Rajpath (later renamed Kartavya Path), was proposed and approved for initiation in September 2019 by India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, marking the start of planning and preparatory works for the avenue's transformation.^[63] The initiative stemmed from assessments identifying the need to modernize colonial-era infrastructure amid growing administrative demands and urban pressures in New Delhi, with the boulevard's redevelopment prioritized as a key component to symbolize national progress.^[62] The core objectives for Rajpath's redevelopment focused on restoring and enhancing its ceremonial and public functions to align with India's contemporary identity, including pedestrianization of the central 2.1-kilometer stretch to improve accessibility and vibrancy for citizens.^[35] Official plans emphasized creating an iconic administrative landscape by reviving Lutyens' original lawn layouts, developing thematic plazas at key nodes like Vijay Chowk and India Gate, and integrating sustainable features such as underground utilities, rainwater harvesting systems, and native vegetation to reduce water usage and enhance ecological resilience.^[35] These goals also aimed to shift the avenue from a primarily vehicular and parade-oriented space to a multifunctional public realm, fostering greater civic engagement while preserving heritage elements.^[64] Further objectives included decongesting the surrounding government precinct by relocating select offices to new structures along the path, thereby optimizing land use and improving administrative efficiency without expanding the overall footprint.^[64] The project incorporated provisions for world-class facilities like amphitheaters and viewing galleries to support national events, with an emphasis on cost-effective, phased execution projected to conclude major avenue works by 2022 ahead of the broader timeline.^[65] These aims were articulated in the approved master plan, selected through an international design competition won by a consortium including HCP Architects, to ensure architectural coherence with India's democratic ethos.^[66]

Engineering and Implementation Details

The redevelopment of Rajpath, renamed Kartavya Path, was executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in collaboration with contractors such as Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering & Construction, commencing construction in March 2021 and achieving Phase I completion by January 26, 2022, to facilitate the Republic Day parade, with full inauguration on September 8, 2022.^[67]^[68] The project adhered to a compressed timeline amid challenges including the preservation of historic elements and existing vegetation, with no trees felled—48 trees transplanted and a net increase of 563 trees achieved through strategic planting, including retention of original Jamun trees and addition of new species to bolster green cover.^[69]^[67] Engineering efforts focused on restoring the boulevard's axial symmetry from Raisina Hill to the Yamuna River while enhancing pedestrian accessibility and utility infrastructure, incorporating 16.5 kilometers of granite walkways for durable, low-maintenance surfacing, alongside sandstone bollards and restored historic chain links and light poles to maintain architectural continuity.^[35]^[67] Key implementations included 16 permanent bridges and four 8-meter-wide pedestrian underpasses at Janpath and C-Hexagon intersections to improve traffic flow and safety, complemented by a new cross street (Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg) for north-south connectivity.^[35] Underground utilities comprised 165 kilometers of conduits for cabling, 10 kilometers of stormwater drains, 60 aerators, and 28 filtration tanks to manage runoff and prevent flooding, with all construction and demolition waste recycled via dedicated treatment plants to minimize environmental impact.^[69]^[67] Additional features emphasized sustainability and functionality, such as redevelopment of 90 acres of grass lawns, installation of 422 stone benches, six vending plazas, eight underground amenity blocks, and 300 CCTV cameras for public security and convenience.^[67] Lighting upgrades involved restoring 79 original poles and adding 58 new ones, while parking facilities in Phase I accommodated 580 cars and 35 buses.^[67] Modular bleachers were integrated for ceremonial events like Republic Day to streamline setup and dismantling, reducing logistical demands.^[70] These elements collectively transformed the 3-kilometer stretch into a more resilient, user-centric public space without disrupting national events.^[35]

Specific Upgrades to the Boulevard

The redevelopment of the boulevard, renamed Kartavya Path on September 8, 2022, focused on transforming the 3-kilometer stretch into a pedestrian-centric public space while preserving its ceremonial axis. Key infrastructure upgrades included the construction of underground trenches with chambers and manholes for electrical cabling and stormwater drainage systems, ensuring improved utility access without surface disruption.^[68]^[71] The paving was refurbished with durable materials to support both daily use and large events, complemented by the restoration of original water canals that had been altered post-independence.^[35] Landscaping enhancements emphasized sustainability and green cover expansion, with no existing trees removed and a net increase to 4,087 trees from 3,890 across the avenue's 85.3-hectare area; overall, 40,573 new trees were planted in the broader project.^[72] Lawns were strengthened and expanded, alongside the addition of approximately 12 low-level bridges over the redeveloped canals to facilitate pedestrian crossing without impeding water flow.^[73]^[72] Pedestrian amenities saw significant investment, including 16.5 kilometers of new paved walkways along the path, through lawns, canals, and to India Gate, alongside wider sidewalks and dedicated vending zones.^[74]^[72] Additional features comprised new pedestrian underpasses for safer crossings, improved parking facilities, exhibition panels detailing historical context, and upgraded smart lighting systems with poles illuminating pathways, trees, and water bodies.^[70] These modifications, completed in under a year ahead of the 2023 Republic Day, prioritized public accessibility and leisure while maintaining the avenue's capacity for national parades.^[72]^[35]

Controversies and Criticisms

Financial Costs and Budget Overruns

The redevelopment of Rajpath, redeveloped as Kartavya Path within the Central Vista Project, was sanctioned a budget of ₹608 crore by the Government of India.^[5] This allocation covered the transformation of the 3-kilometer ceremonial boulevard from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, including the removal of colonial-era features, installation of pedestrian pathways, lawns, and underground utilities.^[5] Expenditure on the project reached ₹418.70 crore by March 2022, primarily drawn from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' budget head for capital outlay on urban development.^[75] By September 2022, total spending had increased to ₹522 crore, coinciding with the completion of Phase-I works, which focused on core infrastructure upgrades without reported deviations exceeding the sanctioned limit.^[5] The project adhered to its financial framework, with no official acknowledgment of overruns specific to the avenue redevelopment. Critics of the broader Central Vista Project, however, have highlighted escalating overall costs—from initial estimates around ₹13,450 crore to revised figures approaching ₹20,000 crore—as evidence of fiscal mismanagement, particularly amid competing national priorities like pandemic response.^[62] ^[76] Government officials have countered such claims, attributing aggregate cost revisions to external pressures including inflation, elevated GST rates on construction materials, and design modifications for seismic compliance and sustainability, while denying unsubstantiated allegations of a 29% overrun in core components.^[76] ^[77] For the Rajpath segment, these factors did not result in budgetary excess, distinguishing it from larger elements like new parliamentary structures.

Environmental and Heritage Concerns

The redevelopment of Rajpath, reoriented as Kartavya Path under the Central Vista Project initiated in 2020, prompted environmental concerns primarily over tree relocation and loss of green cover. Official data indicate that 2,466 trees were removed across Central Vista sites by July 2022, with many transplanted rather than felled, though survival rates were low—for instance, only 121 of over 400 transplanted trees for the Parliament expansion survived as of September 2022.^[78]^[79]^[80] Specifically for the avenue, 48 trees were slated for transplantation, including 22 heritage jamun trees, with permissions granted for 25 by 2021, amid fears of uprooting 20 such trees potentially disrupting local ecology.^[65]^[81] Critics, including environmental experts, argued the project would harm indigenous species and bird habitats without a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, as construction proceeded during the COVID-19 pandemic under "essential services" status.^[82]^[83] The Supreme Court upheld the environmental clearance in January 2021 by a 2:1 majority, validating procedural compliance but with Justice Khanna dissenting on inadequate public participation in assessing impacts.^[84]^[85] Heritage advocates raised alarms over alterations to Lutyens' Delhi's axial symmetry and open vistas, core to the 1931 planned layout, fearing the project's modern insertions—like subsurface infrastructure and new lawns—could erode the site's intangible cultural value as a colonial-era ceremonial axis. The initiative involved limited disclosure of heritage impact reviews and proceeded with minimal public consultation on land-use changes, drawing criticism for potentially prioritizing symbolic redesign over preservation norms.^[86] Government responses emphasized retention of 320 of 807 trees at key sites and adherence to conservation guidelines, framing the work as refurbishment rather than demolition of protected structures.^[87]^[69] Despite these, bodies like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) highlighted risks to the ensemble's authenticity, though no UNESCO intervention occurred, underscoring tensions between adaptive reuse and strict historicism in a post-colonial context.^[88]

Political and Ideological Debates

The renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path on September 8, 2022, as part of the Central Vista redevelopment, ignited debates over its symbolic intent, with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government portraying it as a decisive break from colonial-era subservience originally embodied in the British name Kingsway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the inauguration, stated that the former name evoked "slavery" and that the new designation underscored citizens' duties to the nation, aligning with a broader ideological push to prioritize national service over monarchical connotations in "Rajpath," which translates to "King's Way."^[89] This framing drew from Hindu nationalist interpretations of decolonization, reorienting public symbols toward civic obligation and away from perceived imperial legacies, as evidenced in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) influences on nomenclature emphasizing duty in governance structures.^[90]^[91] Opposition figures, including Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, dismissed the change as "pure politics," arguing that Rajpath—renamed from Kingsway in the post-independence era—already signified sovereign rule in Hindi, rendering the alteration redundant and a distraction from substantive policy challenges.^[6] Critics further contended that the emphasis on "kartavya" (duty) over rights echoed authoritarian tendencies, potentially subordinating individual liberties to state-directed obligations, a critique rooted in historical precedents like constitutional amendments under prior regimes but amplified in the context of Modi's centralized governance style.^[92] Ideologically, detractors viewed the redevelopment's architectural impositions, including the boulevard's upgrades, as extensions of Hindutva-driven revisionism, transforming Lutyens' Delhi—a product of British neoclassicism adapted post-1947—into emblems of majoritarian nationalism rather than inclusive secularism.^[89]^[19] These debates extended to the Central Vista project's overarching vision, where proponents defended it as reclaiming space from colonial mimicry to foster indigenous pride, while skeptics, often from left-leaning outlets, highlighted risks of historical erasure by overlooking Rajpath's evolution under independent India's democratic framework.^[93]^[19] Empirical assessments of source credibility reveal a pattern wherein mainstream Indian media, institutionally inclined toward opposition narratives, amplified financial and procedural critiques over symbolic merits, potentially understating the causal link between persistent colonial nomenclature and subconscious cultural deference. Nonetheless, the initiative's alignment with verifiable pre-independence royal associations in the avenue's design lent credence to de-subjugation arguments, though without altering the boulevard's functional layout established since the 1931 capital shift.^[94]

Achievements and Impacts

Decolonization and Symbolic Shifts

The renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 8, 2022, represented a targeted rejection of colonial-era nomenclature in India's ceremonial boulevard. Originally designated Kingsway by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in the early 20th century to evoke imperial processions, the avenue retained the Hindi translation Rajpath after 1947 independence, which Modi characterized as perpetuating a "symbol of slavery" tied to monarchical subjugation.^[95] ^[96] The shift to Kartavya Path—"Path of Duty"—invokes Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing citizens' fundamental duties over regal pomp, thereby reframing the space from an icon of foreign dominion to one of republican obligation and public stewardship.^[97] ^[98] This rebranding formed part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project's broader symbolic reconfiguration, aiming to dismantle psychological remnants of colonial rule by prioritizing indigenous narratives. The inauguration coincided with the unveiling of a 28-foot statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, elevating a key anti-colonial leader's legacy in place of British imperial motifs and underscoring self-determination over viceregal authority.^[95] ^[99] Government statements positioned the avenue's lawns—now open for public access—as exemplars of empowerment, contrasting Lutyens' Delhi's exclusionary design with democratic inclusivity, though empirical shifts in usage patterns post-2022 remain tied to ongoing project phases.^[100] Proponents, including Rashtrapati Bhavan officials, framed these alterations as erasing "vestiges of slavery" to foster national self-reliance, aligning with Modi's articulated vision of decolonizing institutional mindsets through tangible erasures of colonial toponymy.^[101] ^[102] While the gesture drew acclaim for symbolic potency in official discourse, independent analyses note its roots in pre-existing post-independence adaptations, with lasting cultural resonance contingent on sustained public engagement rather than nomenclature alone.^[17]

Public Access and Urban Improvements

The redevelopment of Kartavya Path, inaugurated on September 8, 2022, has transformed the 3-kilometer ceremonial boulevard from a largely restricted axis into a publicly accessible urban greenway, with lawns and adjoining areas now open for daily pedestrian use beyond ceremonial events.^[35] Previously cordoned off by canals and barriers, the space now features 16 permanent bridges spanning the waterways, enabling unrestrained access to expanded lawns and recreational zones that were formerly off-limits to the public.^[103] This shift has boosted pedestrian traffic by 40% in the post-renovation period, reflecting heightened public utilization for leisure, events, and tourism.^[62] Urban enhancements prioritize inclusivity and functionality, incorporating broader walkways, ramps for wheelchair access, directional signage, and distributed seating to accommodate diverse visitors, including the elderly and disabled.^[104] Infrastructure upgrades include new pedestrian underpasses for safer crossings, expanded parking facilities, interpretive exhibition panels detailing historical and cultural significance, and advanced LED night lighting for extended usability and security.^[70] Refurbished canals with improved water flow and aesthetic edging, combined with extensive landscaping, elevate the boulevard's visual and environmental appeal while mitigating urban heat through shaded pathways and native planting.^[66] Across the 85.3-hectare Central Vista precinct, green cover has expanded with the planting of 4,087 trees, surpassing prior levels and fostering biodiversity in a high-density urban core.^[72] These modifications, integrated into the broader Central Vista Master Plan, enhance civic amenities such as public restrooms and maintenance infrastructure, promoting sustainable recreation and reducing congestion in adjacent areas like India Gate plaza.^[105] Overall, the upgrades align with objectives to reclaim colonial-era restricted zones for democratic public enjoyment, though ongoing challenges like littering highlight the need for sustained civic upkeep.^[106]

Long-Term National Significance

The redevelopment and renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path in September 2022 marked a deliberate effort to redefine India's national symbolism, transitioning from a colonial-era avenue representing monarchical authority—originally Kingsway under British rule—to a boulevard embodying civic duty and collective responsibility.^[95] This shift aligns with broader initiatives to instill a mindset of self-reliance, where public spaces foster a sense of obligation toward the nation rather than subservience to rulers, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration.^[96] Over the long term, this reorientation is intended to cultivate enduring national consciousness, prioritizing endogenous values like duty (kartavya) over imported imperial legacies, potentially influencing generational perceptions of sovereignty and public ethos.^[107] Kartavya Path's central axis in New Delhi positions it as a perennial venue for state ceremonies, including the annual Republic Day parade on January 26, which commemorates the adoption of India's Constitution in 1950 and draws millions to witness military displays and cultural tableaux.^[108] This role underscores its significance as a physical manifestation of India's republican journey from colonial subjugation to democratic maturity, with the boulevard's layout—spanning 3 kilometers from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate—facilitating mass participation and reinforcing unity in diversity.^[17] In the decades ahead, its maintenance as an accessible green corridor, now open 24/7 unlike the restricted colonial promenade, is projected to sustain public engagement, promoting health, tourism, and civic pride while serving as a benchmark for integrating heritage with modern urban functionality.^[95] Beyond symbolism, the boulevard's transformation contributes to India's aspirational narrative of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by exemplifying sustainable redevelopment that harmonizes imperial-era architecture with indigenous motifs, such as the integration of native flora and subterranean utilities to mitigate urban heat islands.^[109] Long-term, it may catalyze nationwide decolonization efforts in public infrastructure, encouraging replication of duty-centric urban models that prioritize ecological resilience and equitable access, thereby embedding principles of national service into everyday spatial experiences.^[98] Critics, however, argue this emphasis on duty could overshadow constitutional rights, potentially skewing national identity toward state-directed obligations, though empirical outcomes remain tied to evolving governance and public response.^[110]

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