The Central government is planning to restructure the seat of power in Delhi. The government has proposed to revamp or build a new Parliament House by 2022 and razing a dozen government offices to build an integrated complex by 2024.
An area, roughly four sq km, will be completely revamped along the Central Vista or Rajpath, which runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan through Vijay Chowk and India Gate in Delhi.
The plan involves razing buildings such as Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan that house important government ministries to build a common secretariat for roughly 70,000 central government employees.
The plan also included having a new Parliament by India’s 75th Independence Day in 2022, but a decision had not been taken whether the current building, a heritage structure completed in 1927, will be revamped or a new structure built in its vicinity.
However, the outer facade of North Block, South Block and Rashtrapati Bhavan will not be changed. These iconic structures may be retrofitted with modern amenities or renovated. The Vice President’s house, Nirman Bhawan, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts may be revamped.
On 2 September 2019, the Centre floated a request for proposal (RfP)– inviting both Indian and international architecture firms to provide consultancy services for the development/redevelopment of parliament building, common central secretariat and central vista.
The first pre-bidding meeting for the mega project was scheduled on 12 September 2019 and the final contract will be awarded by 24 October 2019. The plan also includes upgrading public facilities, parking and greenery in the Central Vista to make it a world-class tourist destination by November 2020.
