People throng Kartavya Path for picnics, catching up on pre-Covid routines

With the inauguration of the newly-christened Kartavya Path, hundreds of people from across the national capital thronged the India Gate on Sunday evening, turning it into a ''picnic'' spot once again.

For many families, the iconic India Gate became their favourite weekend destination for resuming their pre-COVID-19 routines from jogging, walking or taking their toddlers for a stroll.

Meet Farida ji and her family who came from Sitaram Bazar to India Gate for a Sunday picnic. With bedsheet spread, snacks and cold drinks stacked inside a basket beside them, they called it a perfect weather for a picnic.

With her 15-year-old Khufiya playing with her cousins and other members of her family clicking each other's pictures, it turned out to be a fun day for her family.

When asked about the picnic plan, Farida ji said, "It feels good to be back here post lockdown. Feels like we have got a fresh air to breathe, free space for children to play and some time for family to bond."

Khufiya who was playing with her cousins said, "Today, was our holiday, so we insisted to come here. It looks so beautiful with lights lit and most importantly the place looks so clean. I hope it remains the same always."

A Sweden national was busy jogging along with his group of colleagues. He landed in New Delhi last night for a work-related purpose.

While jogging with his colleagues, he said, "I landed here last night and today here I am at the iconic tourist spot. It feels good. This is the first time I have been here. I will keep coming for my morning walks here till I am here."

There was a good strength of police deployment at the Kartavya Path ensuring that the public does not cross the road to the other side where the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose has been installed.

A senior police officer deployed at the spot said, "Large number of people have been visiting India Gate since Saturday. So, we have a good number of personnel deployed here to ensure safety and security of public. We have also been making regular announcements urging public to not cross the road and instead use the underpass to visit the other end."

"We have not allowed vendors inside. They have been kept outside the barricades. We also need to ensure that no nuisance is created and the public can enjoy the view and return safely," He said.

On the other side, from youngsters to the elderly, everyone were busy taking selfies on their mobile phones. At the same time, professional photographers also rejoiced as many insisted on getting their pictures clicked at the new spots.

"This is my first day today at India Gate post lockdown. Lot of people were interested in getting their pictures clicked as they were enthusiastic about the new look too," said Mohin Ahmed, who charges Rs 30 per picture.

"Since, it is a Sunday, it is going to be crowded here which is good for us and our business which we believe will pick up soon," said Mohin Ahmed, who charges Rs 30 per picture.

Priyanka who came from Aya Nagar with her family said, India Gate has got a new look with all the latest installations done.

"I am so happy to be back with my family post covid here. At least kids have a free space to play now. All the installations done here also looks very good. It gives a good vibe. But yeah, being Sunday it is crowded but I am really enjoying it," she said.

Sunday is also the last day of a drone show depicting the life and legacy of Netaji.

Kartavya Path -- stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate as part of the Central Vista Avenue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Four new pedestrian underpasses have been built at busy junctions to segregate vehicular traffic from pedestrian movement, making the street safe to cross.