Karnal flyovers on NH-44 get makeover

The dull, colourless walls of eight flyovers within the Karnal city limits on National Highway-44 are undergoing a transformation with Mahabharata-themed artwork under the Swachhta Abhiyan. The Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has roped in HDFC Bank for this beautification project under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The initiative aims at turning these flyovers into artistic landmarks by adorning their walls and slopes with colorful paintings. At present, artists are working on intricate designs that not only enhance the visual appeal of these structures but also promote cultural and artistic expression.

This is not the first time that the MC has undertaken such a project. In 2018, the walls of underpasses of these flyovers were painted, but the artwork faded over time. As part of the ongoing initiative, these underpasses will also be refurbished, with a finishing touch given to the previous paintings.

Besides, the MC had recently organised a state-level painting competition on the walls of Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), where students transformed walls into creative canvases.

Priyanka Saini, XEN, KMC, emphasised that the project was being carried out under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. “On our request, HDFC Bank extended its support for this initiative, helping us turn these flyovers into artistic landmarks,” she said.

MC Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma highlighted the importance of the project, and said, “To keep the slopes and walls of the flyovers clean and beautiful, we have initiated this step. Artists are working on the project, but it is also the responsibility of the people to maintain the beauty of these spaces.”

Work has already begun on the Baldi Bypass flyover, while similar beautification efforts will soon start at other major flyovers, including ITI Chowk, Nirmal Kutia, Government College, Meerut Road, Namaste Chowk and the Grain Market flyover.

The residents also appreciated the work. “The artistic work on the flyovers is a great step in enhancing the aesthetics of public spaces,” said Deepak, a resident.

Another resident, Yogesh Kamra, lauded the efforts and said, “It is a commendable effort by the MC to promote wall art in Karnal. This will not only beautify the city but also make these spaces more engaging and lively.”