On Sundays, the Pragati Maidan Tunnel in Delhi will be closed to traffic so that people can view the murals within.

  • June 25, 2022, 11:41 a.m.

NEW DELHI: The Pragati Maidan Tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, will be shut for vehicular traffic every Sunday as authorities have decided to let pedestrians visit the Rs 920 crore worth project and treat themselves to the mesmerising artwork inside.
The 1.3-km-long tunnel, which has eased connectivity between central Delhi with satellite towns of Noida and Ghaziabad, has turned into a selfie point as people are often seen clicking pictures with the murals depicting India's culture, flora-fauna, zodiac symbols and six seasons in different parts of the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

According to officials of the Public Works Department, elaborate arrangements have been made at the newly inaugurated Pragati Maidan traffic system of tunnels and underpasses to prevent any waterlogging in the monsoons.
Officials of the International Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), a central government entity that is managing the tunnel, said the artwork inside the facility is a "feast to the eyes" and the public should be allowed to witness the splendid work.

For the time being, we have decided to keep the tunnel closed to traffic every Sunday for the time being and allow the public to witness the mesmerising artwork inside. Pedestrians will be allowed to walk around. This arrangement will come into force next Sunday, "ITPO Chairman and Managing Director LC Goyal told PTI on Friday. 
The prime minister, during the inauguration ceremony of the tunnel last Sunday, lauded the artwork and suggested that it be closed to traffic for a few hours on Sundays to allow schoolchildren and others to walk around and appreciate it. 
Besides the tunnel, Modi also inaugurated the five underpasses of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor. The project is funded entirely by the central government.
Officials said murals inside the tunnel were handpainted and manufactured on a mild steel sheet, which enhances the look and quality. The colour of these murals changes every 250 metres in the tunnel, the official said. 
Delhi's first 1.3-km-long tunnel will allow commuters travelling to India Gate and other central Delhi areas from east Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad to ditch traffic snarls at ITO, Mathura Road, and Bhairon Marg. 
Officials said the shutting of the tunnel for traffic will not affect vehicular movement in the region as the other five underpasses will remain open for vehicles. 
"Since Sunday is a holiday, the traffic volume remains low." The other five underpasses will remain open so that traffic flow will not be hampered due to the closure of the tunnel. Commuters can also use the conventional routes of Bhairon Marg, ITO and Mathura Road to reach their destinations, "a Public Works Department (PWD) official said. 
The tunnel project has been executed by the Delhi PWD. The official said guards will be deployed at the entry and exit points of the facility so that visitors do not face any inconvenience.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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