Cartagena reopens renovated Puerto Duro with restored India Catalina

Cartagena's mayor, Dumek Turbay Paz, officially reopened the renovated Puerto Duro sector on August 21, unveiling the restored India Catalina monument, a symbol of the city's heritage. The ceremony was deliberately low-key out of solidarity with regions affected by a recent earthquake Source: El Tiempo. The intervention, described as a comprehensive urban project, includes a new third lane on Avenida Luis Carlos López to ease traffic congestion, relocated 'Letras de Cartagena' now serving as a photo spot, and a new pier and viewpoint over the Chambacú lagoon for ecotourism Source: Portafolio. The India Catalina statue, created by Eladio Gil Zambrana in 1974, had gone about 15 years without maintenance, suffering from bronze oxidation and discoloration due to Cartagena's salty air. Restoration took about a month Source: La República. The project also includes a new bay for tourist chivas, recovery of the Baluarte de San Miguel, and enhanced security with permanent police presence in two shifts Source: El Tiempo. The new third lane is 128 meters long and 2.90 meters wide Source: Portafolio. The 'Chambaculeras' boats will offer guided tours through interconnected waterways, allowing visitors to see mangroves, birds, and fortifications from the water Source: Portafolio. Mayor Turbay emphasized that order, cleanliness, lighting, and safety will prevail in the area Source: La República.