Ground work on construction of new parliament building commences

The Government of India has commenced ground work for the construction of the new parliament building and central secretariat in Phase-1 of the project to redevelop New Delhi’s central vista. The Centre is expected to finalise the tender documents for all three projects in the next few days, following which the tenders will be floated for bidding. 

Construction of the new parliament building has already been initiated. The government has reportedly applied for environmental clearances for the project. It is also known to have started consultations with the secretariats of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the various ministries housed in different bhawans. 

The shifting of the parliament building is expected to take place in three phases. As reported, the reception area is expected to be vacated in the first phase. And, the new building – which will be built in front of the present one – would reportedly take up the space where the present reception area and parking is. Clearances and work on the first phase is expected to commence over the next three months. 

Phase-2 of the project involves the shifting of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) and a part of the National Archives. Phase-3 will finally include shifting of ministry offices to different places.

Construction of the entire project is expected to be completed by 2024. A committee of secretaries led by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba has been formed, who will oversee shifting of the offices.