Delhi: Sunday, a time to stand and stare at artwork of Pragati Maidan tunnel

NEW DELHI: The 1.36km-long Pragati Maidan tunnel, which was recently opened for traffic, was a huge attraction on Sunday with families from various parts of Delhi and even Gurgaon flocking there to see the artwork inside.
Brijesh Manglik, who had come from Adarsh Nagar with his wife and daughter, said, “We heard the Prime Minister talking about the artwork inside the tunnel.Later, we read news that the tunnel would be closed for traffic on Sunday for people to appreciate the artwork. As we were in Connaught Place for an outing, we thought of checking out the tunnel too.”
Public Works Department officials did not prohibit anyone from entering the tunnel on foot. With the arrival of visitors, Bollywood tunes were played on the public announcement system at regular intervals, apart with audio recordings about the features of the tunnel.
Ashok Gupta, who had come with his wife Veera from Yojana Vihar in east Delhi, said, “There is a great reflection of the Vedas in the artwork. I have never seen such a tunnel in Delhi. Usually, one sees paintings on sidewalls, but here the artwork has been done on metal and then put on the walls. I like the idea of closing it for a day for people to admire the artwork.”
Though the tunnel was well-lit and large fans were switched on for ventilation, a few visitors suggested setting up drinking water facilities. “We walked across the tunnel to see the artwork, but we felt drinking water should have been available,” said Shivam and Aflah, two friends from Shahdara.
LC Goyal, CMD, Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, which is the custodian of the project, said, “From next month, we are planning to have a proper setup where tour guides will be available for visitors.”
While inaugurating the transit corridor, PM Narendra Modi had suggested keeping a day for people to admire the artwork. The authorities then decided to shut the tunnel for motorists on Sundays.