An insight into the new Indian parliament building.
Harsha Mariam Shibu
credits: News on AIR Official
A new parliament building is currently under construction in New Delhi, as a part of India’s Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the new Parliament building. On February 12, 1921, nearly 100 years ago, the foundation of the existing Parliament was laid by the Duke of Connaught.
New building would be a 4 storey structure with a total area of 64,500 sq.m. and has a seating capacity for 1224 MPs. The structure costs around Rs. 970 Cr. and is expected to be completed by 2022.
According to a report given from the PM office, the new building would be an intrinsic part of vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and will be recognised as a landmark opportunity for building people’s Parliament for the very first time after Indian Independence, which would be achieved in 75th Independence anniversary in 2022.
$ads={1}
The theme of the building is to celebrate cultural diversity of India and also to incorporate regional arts and crafts. In order to accomplish the project as a symbol of self Reliant India, our own artisans would be employed to complete the whole structure.
Additional features include a grand constitution hall to showcase India’s democratic heritage, multiple committee rooms, ample parking space, lounge for MP’s, library etc.. On the periphery regions, new blocks will be constructed for reception, information counter and public waiting areas and this will be made accessible for differently abled also. The triangular structure will have a ceremonial entrance, exclusively for Lok Sabha Speakers and Rajya Sabha chairman.
- As an existing structure, there will not be an iconic Central Hall within the new structure.
- Seating arrangements consist of 888MP seats in Lok Sabha and 384 seats in Rajya Sabha.
- But the existing building can accommodate 543 seats in Lok Sabha and 245 in Rajya Sabha.
- In 2020 September, Tata Project Limited had won the chance to construct a new parliament building at Rs. 861.9 crores and will be constructed near to the existing one.
- The existing Parliament building is a British Era Building which was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker who were behind New Delhi’s Planning and Construction. And now, this will be retro-fitted for providing more functional spaces instead of demolition.