New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the new Parliament building on December 10 in New Delhi, Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, said today.
He will also perform ‘bhumi pujan’ or the groundbreaking ceremony on the same day.
Sharing details of the project, Birla informed that the four-storied new Parliament building would be built in an area of 64,500 square metres at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore.
He observed that it is a matter of immense pride for 130 crore Indians that for the first time after independence, Indian artisans and sculptors from all over the country, would contribute and showcase India’s cultural diversity in the New Parliament Building, making it a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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.
“The new building will also have a grand 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,” Om Birla said.
He also said, “Keeping future needs in mind, the proposed building will have a seating capacity for 888 Members in the Lok Sabha Chamber with an option to increase to 1,224 members during joint sessions. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha Chamber would have a seating capacity for 384 members.”
He added that adequate safeguards for earthquake safety is being followed keeping in mind zone V regulations, specific to New Delhi and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, new building is to be equipped with all modern Audio-Visual communication facilities and data network systems. Special care is being taken to ensure all environmental safeguards are followed, including minimal disturbance to Parliament sessions during construction work, the Lok Sabha speaker stated.
The existing building is a British era building, designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker who were responsible for planning and construction of New Delhi.
-CHK
