New Delhi: Three companies have been shortlisted in the race to get the contract to construct the new Parliament building. For the project, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited and Tata Projects Limited have been selected to submit online financial bids.

According to a report by IANS, as per Appendix Letter No. 23 of CPWD dated August 10 seven pre-eligibility tenders were received, which were opened on July 14 and were scrutinised as per the initial conditions of eligibility. Based on the evaluation and scrutiny of the documents, the central agency selected three companies which could submit financial bids.’

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Central Vista Plan

The new Parliament building will be constructed under the  20,000 crore Central Vista Project which was unveiled last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The plan is to redevelop the 3-km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate in Lutyens' Delhi. A report by PTI says that on September 2, 2019, the government had floated a request for proposal for the "development or redevelopment of Parliament Building, Common Central Secretariat and Central Vista."

The new parliament building will be constructed on plot number 118 of Parliament House State. The proposed new building is supposed to have two-stories with a basement and a ground. A report by Hindustan Times has said the ‘plan envisages a triangular complex that will have tricolored beam lighting up the sky overhead.’ The report also says that the Lok Sabha hall will be big enough to house 1350 MPs during a joint parliament session. In July this year, the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) had also given approval for the construction of the new building.

The plan for redevelopment has been severely criticised by the opposition especially after the coronavirus outbreak. In March, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had raised questions about the project, "Unconscionable that the central govt finds it necessary to spend ₹20,000 crores at this precise moment for a new house for the PM & other beautification schemes. Central Vista plan must be scrapped, earmarked funds must be transferred to tackle #COVID2019 & its impact on the poor," Yechury said in a tweet.