New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of new Parliament building which would be built in an area of 64,500 square metres at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore.
PM Modi also performed ‘Bhumi Pujan’ or the groundbreaking ceremony on the occasion.
The Lok Sabha chamber in the new building will have 888 seats while Rajya Sabha chamber will have 384 seats. The current strength of Lok Sabha is 543 and that of Rajya Sabha is 245. Moreover, the new Lok Sabha chamber will be able to accommodate 1224 members during a joint session. However, the new building will not have a Central Hall.
The construction of the building will begin in December and is likely to be completed by October 2022. The new Parliament building will have a built-up area of approximately 60,000-metre square.
It is set to come up on plot number 118 of the Parliament House Estate, which currently houses a reception, boundary walls and other temporary structures.
However, various pleas against the project are pending before the Supreme Court, so no construction can begin immediately.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri delivered the welcome remarks on the occasion followed by a speech by Lok Sabha Speaker Om birla. Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, will deliver the vote of thanks.
-ARK
