New Delhi (NVI): Iconic building of Indian Parliament, the nerve centre of the country’s polity, is all set for a major upgrade by March 2022 as a Rs 229 crore contract for developing a Master Plan and designing of Central Vista area has been given to leading architect firm HCP Design, Planning & Management Pvt. Ltd.
Besides, the redevelopment of Central Vista on three-km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate and development of Common Central Secretariat will be completed by November 2021 and March 2024 respectively by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), after the master plan is developed, an official statement said.
The project, aimed at making the area a world class tourist attraction, will impact several buildings like Shastri Bhawan, Transport Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan
Over a period of 100 years after the conceptualisation of buildings on Raisina Hill and adjoining to Rajpath, the requirements have now increased manifold. These buildings, designed earlier, no longer offer the required space, amenities or comfort, the statement added.
The project involves improving the old buildings on Raisina Hills, Common Secretariat Buildings, refurbishing old Parliament building, creating new space for new requirements of MPs and upgrading the entire Central Vista area by revisiting entire Master Plan.
The Parliament house was built at the same time when the other buildings on Raisina Hills were constructed in the period from 1911 to 1931, designed by Edwin Lutyen and Herbert Baker. At that time, these were designed to have office for viceroy & Secretariat.
Various buildings along Rajpath have been constructed at different times for accommodating offices of various Central Government Ministries and Departments. The Central Vista starting from Rashtrapati Bhawan upto India Gate is the heart of the city which has been the centre of attraction for visitors from all over the world.
-sb
