New Delhi: Most Indians may still need a push to visit art galleries and museums, but when the national capital’s favourite commuting mode Metro Rail doubles up as a contemporary art gallery itself, it is not uncommon to see Delhiwallahs stop, look and even click an occasional selfie.
Whether it is abstract or realistic art, colourful ceramic tiles or informative panels, the wide station network of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) seems to have it all covered, as the modern transport service that began in 2002 and continues to expand, zooms in on art and culture.
The artworks at Pink Line’s Johri Enclave station is a tribute to the eminent classical artists of India.
On the Hauz Khas station, an intersection of the Yellow and Magenta Lines, historical monuments galore. Lodhi Tombs, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb reflect the diverse cultural fabric of India.
Many other metro stations are ready takers of art on history and heritage. Mandi House comes first to mind.
The works here chronicles the journey of the area from brick kilns to a culture hub.
At the INA metro station, the DMRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, has also installed 58 panels of handicrafts and handlooms created by craftsmen from across India – from Mithila paintings from Bihar to terracotta tiles from Rajasthan.
Two stations on the long and busy Blue Line, Karol Bagh and Karkardooma, use ceramic artworks and painted wall works to show signs of a modern, progressive society.
While the Karol Bagh murals feature development aspects like education and technology, the Karkardooma station, which opens near the Karkardooma District Court, has references to the judiciary.
Nature enthusiasts who commute by metro are not disappointed as well, as Mandawali-West Vinod Nagar has its focus on flora and fauna,.
Regular metro commuters would also know of the Metro Museum at the Patel Chowk Metro Station, which traces the genesis of the Delhi Metro which took 32 years to reach the operational stage from the drawing boards.
As per DMRC, Delhi Metro stations that cover almost every corner of the NCR today are perfect spaces for the promotion of India’s art and culture. (IANS)
