The foundation stone of the existing Parliament House was laid on February 12, 1921, and the construction took six years and cost Rs 83 lakh at that time. The opening ceremony was performed on January 18, 1927, by the then governor-general of India, Lord Irwin. The existing temple of democracy will be completing 100 years.
“It is a matter of pride for our countrymen that the new one will be built by our own people as a prime example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The new building will showcase the cultural diversity of the country. Hopefully, in the 75th year of Independence (2022), Parliament session will be held in the new building,” he said.
Here’s are interesting facts about the new Parliament building
The construction of the building will directly involve 2,000 people and indirectly involve 9,000 people.
Who won the bid?
Tata Projects Limited won the bid to construct the new Parliament building, close to the existing one, at a cost of Rs 861.90 crore under the Central Vista redevelopment project in September this year.
What the total cost?
The new building will have an area of 64,500 square metres and is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore besides that the new building will be earthquake resistant.
What is the seating capacity?
As many as 1,224 MPs can sit together in the building, while a new office complex for all MPs of both the houses would be built at the site of the existing Shram Shakti Bhawan. In the new building, the Lok Sabha chamber will have a seating capacity for 888 members, while Rajya Sabha will have 384 seats for the upper house members. This has been done keeping in mind the future increase in the number of members for the two houses.
At present, Lok Sabha has a sanctioned strength of 543 members and Rajya Sabha of 245.
How many floors?
The outlook of the new building will be similar to the existing one. There will be a basement, ground, first and second floors in the new building and its height will be same as the old building so that both should are in symmetry.
What about pollution control measures?
Officials have said steps have been taken to control air and noise pollution during the construction work for the new Parliament building, which will have separate offices for all MPs.
What are other features?
The office of all MPs in the new building will be equipped with the latest digital interfaces as a step towards creating ‘paperless offices’. 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.
What happens to the existing Parliament House?
The existing Parliament building will be conserved as it is an archaeological asset of the country. It will be suitably retro-fitted to provide more functional spaces for parliamentary events, to ensure its usage along with the new building. The existing building is a massive circular edifice of 560 feet in diameter.
(With inputs from PTI)