The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has
proposed that the median of Janpath be given an aesthetic makeover on a
PPP mode. The private party, which has been entrusted with designing the
median, has been instructed to make it contemporary and blend it with
the city’s urban look.

After Janpath was widened, sonari
saplings were planted along the median. “The sonari trees will be
uprooted as they may not go with the landscape. Besides, trees with
large pods don’t look too good on busy roads. The designs would mostly
probably reflect the architectural splendours of temples in the city,”
said an architect, who is part of the makeover team.

The
landscaping is also expected to replicate monasteries of Puri, the
crafts of Raghurajpur and Ekamra Vaan of the old town area, said BMC
commissioner Sanjib Mishra. “Traditional artworks will be redesigned to
give them a contemporary look. The landscaping will also boast of greens
and flowers to break the monotony. But we may do away with railings as
they could disturb the beauty of the new landscape. The designing will
be done in such a fashion that it becomes self-sustainable,” said
Mishra.

Janpath sees heavy traffic and is dotted with shops and markets, jewellery stores, hotels,
cinema halls and hangouts. “The stretch is strategic and beautification
will enhance its importance,” said urban planer Piyush Rout.

The stretch connects the railway station and intercity bus terminal.
“Earlier, we gave a proposal to the BMC to create an exclusive
pedestrian plaza for walkers. We feel city roads need to have enough
space so that pedestrian walkways can be built to facilitate walking,
shopping and recreational activities without vehicular intervention,”
said Rout.

He said small kiosks, food joints and benches can also be placed along the plaza.

A city architect said, “The stretch requires careful planning long stretches of greenery interspersed with designs wherever there is change in median width.”