A wonderful addition to the cityscape is taking shape close to Zero Mile marker. A History Wall, T55 Battle Tank, amphitheatre, Nagpur Metro’s Information Centre, Arches of Glory and other features of ‘Freedom Park’ are nearing completion. Maha Metro is converting 40,000 sq ft area surrounding its Zero Mile station into the public park to commemorate the 75th year of Indian Independence. The location of ‘Freedom Park’ has been chosen in view of historical importance of the area. It is in the vicinity of Zero Mile marker, Sitabuldi Fort, Vidhan Bhavan, Central Museum, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other iconic and historical buildings of the city. The aesthetically designed park comprises History Wall, a war trophy T55 Battle Tank, amphitheatre, Nagpur Metro’s Information Centre, stepped plaza, Arches of Glory, seating plaza and plaza entrance areas. Upon entering ‘Freedom Park’ from southern gate, one is welcomed by landscaped bosque (wooded) plaza right.

 

One gets magnificent view of the amphitheatre to the left. The History Wall continues up to Shahid Smarak displaying events in India’s freedom struggle in the form of a timeline. The History Wall displays the events related to India’s freedom struggle from the first war of Independence in 1857 to the freedom in 1947, associated with Nagpur city. The distances of these historical spots from the Freedom Park also are mentioned on the wall. It also highlights the importance of Zero Mile marker, foundation of Nagpur city and the history of Sitabuldi Fort. The landscaping comprises of wayfinding and subtle branding spaces and colour and theme-based planting, stated Maha Metro. The war trophy of T-55 Indian Army Battle Tank stands opposite to it on a raised pedestal. Ministry of Defence has given the T-55 Battle Tank to Maha Metro. It symbolises the valour of the Indian Army in various wars. The T-55 tanks were introduced by Russia in the years following the World War-II.

 

The Indian Army used the T-55 tanks in its conflicts with Pakistan in 1970s and 1980s. The design has a beautiful cascading waterfall with ribbed laminar flow of water on three levels, which glow in tricolour. Adjacent to the cascade, lies the artwork ‘#NAGPURMETRO’. There are three Arches of Glory whose crowns (high points) signify the zeniths of Independence struggle from 1857 to 1947. Nagpur Metro’s Information Centre has been located for dissemination of information pertaining to Metro’s development and operations. One is also able to visualise the heritage monument of Old British Residency upfront from the lower plaza. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) has given nod to run trains from Sitabuldi to Kasturchand Park Metro Station via Zero Mile Freedom Park. Already, trains are running between Khapri and Sitabuldi metro stations on Orange Line, and between Sitabuldi and Lokmanya Nagar on Aqua Line. With CMRS nod, soon they will run between Sitabuldi and Kasturchand Park Station via Zero Mile Freedom Park Station. Commissioner has also certified Zero Mile Freedom Park and Kasturchand Park stations. The Commissioner and his team had conducted an inspection between August 3 and August 5 and had expressed satisfaction over the passenger amenities and safety arrangements of the two stations, stated Maha Metro in a press release.