Kartavya Path: History, Features, and Visitor Guide to New Delhi’s Central Boulevard

Kartavya Path is a historic 3.2-kilometer (1.98-mile) ceremonial boulevard located in New Delhi, India, running from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk to India Gate and the National War Memorial. Renamed from Rajpath in September 2022, the avenue serves as the primary national axis for public gatherings and major ceremonial events, including India’s annual Republic Day parade. Kartavya Path represents the core architectural centerpiece of India’s Central Vista Redevelopment Project, transitioning the iconic corridor into a modernized, sustainable, and public-friendly public space.

What is the history of Kartavya Path?

The origin of Kartavya Path traces back to the early 20th century during the relocation of the capital of British India from Calcutta to New Delhi. Designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker as the central grand avenue of imperial New Delhi, the boulevard opened in 1931 under the name Kingsway, named in honor of King George V.

Following India’s independence from British rule in 1947, the road was renamed Rajpath in 1955, which translates to “King’s Way” or “Royal Path” in Hindi. For nearly seven decades, Rajpath served as the official ceremonial route where India showcased its military capabilities, cultural heritage, and industrial achievements during state occasions.

On September 8, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially renamed the entire stretch Kartavya Path, which translates to “Path of Duty.” This historic renaming reflected the government’s broader objective to remove colonial-era iconography and emphasize democratic civic values over imperial governance.

Key features and specs of the Central Vista avenue

The modernized Kartavya Path was completely redeveloped to upgrade infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and handle millions of annual visitors without compromising the historical streetscape.

The redevelopment replaced eroded earth pathways with 15.5 kilometers of durable red granite paving, allowing large crowds to navigate the parklands cleanly. Infrastructure upgrades included underground utility ducts to eliminate visible wiring, a modernized stormwater drainage network to prevent waterlogging during monsoons, and low-energy LED streetlights designed to complement the original architectural style.

Why was Rajpath renamed to Kartavya Path?

The transition from Rajpath to Kartavya Path forms part of India’s national decolonization campaign, officially articulated in the Panch Pran (Five Pledges) delivered during India’s 75th Independence Day address. While the term Rajpath implied royal rule, governance over subjects, and imperial dominance, Kartavya Path translates directly to the Path of Duty.

The Indian government stated that public spaces in a democratic republic should symbolize service, civic duty, and accountability rather than imperial power. To reinforce this shift, a 28-foot-tall monolithic black granite statue of Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was installed under the historic grand canopy near India Gate, replacing the site where a statue of King George V stood prior to 1968.

Environmental sustainability and landscaping on Kartavya Path

Sustainability and ecological preservation were central pillars of the Central Vista redevelopment along Kartavya Path. The sprawling 101-acre lawn area underwent extensive soil treatment, grass replacement with resilient turf varieties, and the installation of smart automated micro-irrigation systems that utilize recycled water from nearby sewage treatment plants.

The 16 canal bridges were rebuilt using durable red sandstone and granite to withstand heavy seasonal rainfall while maintaining historical aesthetics. Continuous water aeration and filtration systems were integrated into the side canals to prevent stagnation, control mosquito breeding, and support urban biodiversity. Over 100 native shade-giving trees were planted along the outer walkways to lower urban heat island effects during the summer months.

What national events take place along Kartavya Path?

Kartavya Path hosts India’s most important ceremonial events, state functions, and public cultural activities throughout the year:

• Republic Day Parade: Held every January 26, featuring defense forces, state floats, and cultural performances moving along the 3.2 km boulevard from Raisina Hill toward the Red Fort.
• Beating Retreat Ceremony: Conducted on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, marking the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations with military band performances.
• National Memorial Services: Ceremonial wreath-laying events held at the National War Memorial at the eastern terminus of the boulevard.
• Public Recreation and Cultural Events: Dedicated vending plazas, public step gardens, and open-air spaces host state food festivals and art exhibitions.

Visiting Kartavya Path: Timings, transport, and visitor facilities

Kartavya Path is a public urban park open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering continuous access to residents and international tourists. The avenue is well-connected through public transportation, with the Central Secretariat metro station (Yellow and Violet Lines) and Janpath metro station (Violet Line) located within immediate walking distance.

The redeveloped precinct incorporates extensive visitor amenities aimed at managing high foot traffic while maintaining cleanliness and accessibility:

• Dedicated Vending Zones: Eight organized vendor plazas prevent unauthorized encroachment along pedestrian walkways.
• Public Sanitation: 64 modern toilet blocks, including 10 fully accessible facilities for persons with disabilities (PwD).
• Smart Parking Infrastructure: Four major parking lots accommodating over 1,125 vehicles, including designated spaces for 35 tour buses.
• Accessibility Features: Electric golf carts and step-free ramps provided across all 16 canal bridges for elderly and disabled visitors.
• Security and Safety: 300+ CCTV cameras, emergency call boxes, and a dedicated public address system ensure continuous security monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Kartavya Path called before?

Kartavya Path was formerly called Rajpath from 1955 to 2022. Prior to 1955, during British colonial rule, the boulevard was named Kingsway. The official name was changed to Kartavya Path ('Path of Duty') on September 8, 2022, to emphasize democratic civic responsibility over colonial-era royal authority.

Where is Kartavya Path located and how do you reach it?

Kartavya Path is located in central New Delhi, India, running from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill to India Gate. Visitors can reach it via the Delhi Metro by exiting at the Central Secretariat station (Yellow and Violet Lines) or the Janpath metro station (Violet Line), both located within walking distance.

What are the opening hours and entry fee for Kartavya Path?

Kartavya Path is an open public park accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no entry fee. Visitors can freely walk along the granite pathways, view national monuments, and access lawn areas, though security checkpoints exist near sensitive administrative installations.

Who inaugurated the redeveloped Kartavya Path and when?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the redeveloped Kartavya Path on September 8, 2022. The event marked the completion of the central corridor under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and included the unveiling of a 28-foot granite statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate.