New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new premises of the ministry of commerce and industry, Vanijya Bhawan at 10:30 am on Thursday and launch a portal.  Modi will also address the people present on the occasion. The PM will launch a new portal - NIRYAT (National Import-Export Annual Trade Analysis Record), a one-stop platform for stakeholders to obtain all necessary information related to India's foreign trade. Constructed near the India Gate, Vanijya Bhawan has been designed as a smart building, incorporating the principles of sustainable architecture with a special focus on saving energy.


It will work as an integrated and modern office complex, which will be used by two departments under the commerce ministry including the department of commerce and the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade.


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The layout of the building is planned in such a way as to minimise the number of trees that would have to be cut. More than 56 per cent of the 214 trees on the plot are either being left untouched or are being replanted on the same plot. About 70 per cent of the big trees have been saved. Also, 230 new trees are also being planted on the same plot, thereby ensuring that tree cover on the site would increase after the construction of the new building.


Strictly conforming to Central Vista norms, the building has an area of 19233.745 sq. metre.  It is expected to accommodate about 1,000 officers and staff.  While retaining the Central Vista architecture, the Vanijya Bhawan will have all modern technology-driven features. It was said to be a completely paperless office with state-of-the-art facilities such as smart access control, central air-conditioning, video conferencing, and completely networked systems. It is a green building with all required certifications.


The new building is seen as a symbol of not only India’s growing economic might but also the adoption and use of technology in governance in India.