Discover Kartavya Path

Kartavya Path is New Delhi’s central ceremonial avenue, running from Rashtrapati Bhavan through Vijay Chowk toward India Gate. Edwin Lutyens planned it as Kingsway for the imperial capital. It became Rajpath after independence and was renamed Kartavya Path when the redesigned public realm opened on 8 September 2022.

The avenue is less an attraction with a boundary than an urban axis. Government buildings rise at the western end, lawns and canals frame the central route, and the open view carries across several kilometres. India’s Republic Day parade uses this space each 26 January.

The 2022 project added renewed walkways, lawns, lighting, amenities, underpasses, parking and signage. Its value to a visitor lies in movement: walking part of the axis explains the scale and hierarchy of New Delhi better than viewing either endpoint alone.

The avenue is an axial composition. Rashtrapati Bhavan occupies the raised western end; India Gate closes the view to the east. Secretariat blocks frame the first descent around Vijay Chowk.

Landscape supplies the width. Lawns, canals, trees and parallel walks spread beyond the central roadway, making the civic space much broader than a normal street.

Crossings are controlled. Roads cut across the axis at intervals, while the 2022 redevelopment added underpasses and renewed pedestrian connections.

The capital planners used the natural rise of Raisina Hill to establish a dominant western endpoint. A straight avenue then carried the eye east to the war memorial, with government offices, lawns and water channels arranged symmetrically around it.

This was urban construction rather than one building campaign. Roads, bridges, canals, planting and ceremonial grounds had to work as a coordinated public system.

The 2022 redevelopment renewed surfaces and services while retaining the primary vista. Pedestrian paths, lighting, amenities, underpasses, parking and signage now shape the close-range experience.

Is Kartavya Path the former Rajpath?

Yes. The avenue was renamed when the redesigned public realm opened on 8 September 2022.

Was it originally called Kingsway?

Yes. That was its name in the imperial capital plan.

Does the Republic Day parade take place here?

Yes, on 26 January, with extensive temporary access controls.

Is there an entry fee?

No. It is a public ceremonial avenue, though nearby buildings and memorials have separate rules.

Can I walk the full length?

Normally yes, subject to crossings and closures, but it is a long exposed route. Many visitors choose one section.