GoM objects,cycling,marathon routes shifted

The earlier route started at Teen Murti Marg,went to Wellington Cresent and Rajaji Marg before entering the New Delhi area and moving towards the Central Vista at India Gate. The GoM reportedly raised security concerns about the event finishing at the Central Vista. Sources,however,have said the 20-km fast walking event would be held at India Gate,up and down Rajpath itself.

The new route for the marathon and the cycling events would start and end at Vijay Chowk. Heading toward Rajpath,the route enters Janpath,takes a left to Ashoka Road,and then to Rajendra Prasad Road,heading toward Parliament Street,taking a right turn toward Barakhamba Road to enter Connaught Place Inner Circle. It will then turn right to enter Minto Road and Deen Dayal Upadhayay (DDU) Marg,go towards the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General,take a circle and right to Vijay Chowk. However,due to the many high-profile government buildings on Rajendra Prasad Road,the authorities are also looking at Raisina Road as an option.

“A new route has been proposed as discussions on the earlier route brought to light that there were too many houses along the way for the day-long event. The residents would have faced problems as there would have been no exits,” a senior traffic police official said.

The Central Public Works Department,responsible for sprucing up the Central Vista,said it has not been formally intimated about the change in plans. “It has,however,come to our notice from other sources that the change has been made due to security and traffic reasons. There was also some financial crunch,” he said. “Earlier,the final of the cycling and archery events were to be held here,but they have all been shifted to regular venues,” said CPWD Chief Architect R K Kakar.

The new route
* The marathon and cycling events will start at Vijay Chowk.
* Athletes will head towards Rajpath,then go to Janpath,take a left to Ashoka Road,and then to Rajendra Prasad Road,heading toward Parliament Street,taking a right turn toward Barakhamba Road to enter Connaught Place Inner Circle.
* They will then turn right to Minto Road and Deen Dayal Upadhayay Marg,go towards the CAG office,take a U-turn and return to Vijay Chowk.

Vista revamp still on
* Planning for the cycling and marathon events,the CPWD has been restoring the Central Vista for the past few months. The plan is to make it look like it did when inaugurated in 1931.
* The CPWD is now in the process of improving the pathways,levelling lawns,planting more shrubs and flowering trees. All work is expected to be completed by September,well in time for the Games. The civic body was to hand over the area to the OC for setting up necessary equipment.