Pragati Maidan Tunnel: Soak in Work of Art

Pragati Maidan tunnel is a feast for the eyes. While driving through, one will be able to see the finest expressions of India’s culture based on the theme “Celebration of life through six seasons of India” through decorative murals on the side walls and the central columns.

The artwork inside the main 1.36km tunnel was deeply appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was a huge attraction on the first day. However, people had to return without catching a glimpse as the tunnel road was closed.

The brain behind the artwork, said the murals were hand painted and manufactured on mild steel sheets to indigenise the ambiance of the tunnel. “They are of diverse styles celebrating the Indian culture and painted in exquisite cohesion. The approach is art as an expression of cultural nationalism.

The tunnel has been termed as an “engineering marvel”. Inspired by “Samba Purana”, an ancient text dedicated to sun worship, the artwork inside changes colours along with the seasons, starting from spring at the entrance from Purana Qila Road and ending with winter at the exit on Ring Road. The murals are of green and yellow colours and there are pictures of flying birds symbolising the entry and exit to the tunnel.

A striking aspect of the murals are 87 columns painted in mandala style having rainbow colours. The murals change colours after every 250 metres based on specific colours mentioned in ancient scriptures. The paintings in the underpasses and ramps have been made after a deep study of the subject taken from the Indian knowledge system. They are narrative and astonishing.

While the spring artwork is in green colour, starting with flying birds signalling the change of the season, summer is in orange colour showing Mount Abu of Rajasthan, Ganga Dussehra, Vishnu-Moatsu festival celebrated in Nagaland, Jagannath Temple Rath Yatra procession and festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Guru Purnima.

The rainy season mural starts with a dancing peacock, grass, frogs, fish and mushrooms, all in greenish light blue, and Onam, which is celebrated in Kerala. Autumn is represented in deep purple with the murals showcasing Gandhi Jayanti, monkeys and birds, and Marwar Festival at Umaid Palace.

Towards the end, pre-winter and winter are depicted in faded pink and red colours, respectively, with the themes of Diwali, lights, crackers, rangoli, Christmas, Republic Day and Ganga Snan. In between, there are murals of Peepal, the national tree, and cow worship. There are also spaces left for advertising and information on the walls of the tunnel.

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