The new Parliament building, situated in the heart of Lutyens in Delhi, is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the end of this month. The construction of the new building is part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, which aims to revamp the nation’s power corridor. Along with the new Parliament building, the project also includes the renovation of the Rajpath, the construction of a common central secretariat, a new Prime Minister’s office and residence, and a new Vice-President enclave.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, is executing the project. The foundation stone for the new Parliament Building was laid by PM Modi in December 2020. Spanning an area of 64,500 square meters, the new building will feature a magnificent Constitution Hall to showcase India’s democratic heritage, a lounge for Members of Parliament, a library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas, and ample parking space.
According to sources, the new Parliament building will have three main gates named Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar, and Karma Dwar. The building will also have separate entrances for MPs, VIPs, and visitors. The Lok Sabha chamber will accommodate 888 members, while the Rajya Sabha will have 384 seats. During joint sessions, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate up to 1,224 members.
The new Parliament building will include portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and other former prime ministers of the country. It is also reported that a portrait of Kautilya, the polymath, has been installed along with a model of the wheel from Konark’s Sun Temple.
Tata Projects has constructed the new Parliament building at an estimated cost of Rs 970 crore. The building’s completion and inauguration coincide with the nine-year tenure of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in power.