TNI EXPLAINER | Central Vista Project: A modern vision for New Delhi

The Central Vista Project is a redevelopment initiative in India aimed at transforming the heart of New Delhi, the national capital. The project encompasses a 3.2-kilometre stretch from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, including the Parliament House, North Block, and South Block. It has been a subject of intense debate and criticism since its inception due to its scale, cost, environmental impact, and potential impact on democratic institutions.

The project was initiated by the Government of India in 2019 with the intention of creating a new Parliament building, central secretariat buildings, and associated infrastructure. The primary objectives cited were to accommodate the growing needs of the government, improve office spaces, enhance accessibility, and provide a more coherent architectural vision for the area. The estimated cost of the project was initially around ₹20,000 crore, although revised estimates have put the cost higher.

Supporters of the Central Vista Project argue that it will modernise the government infrastructure, improve administrative efficiency, and provide state-of-the-art facilities for legislators and bureaucrats. They claim that the current buildings are outdated, overcrowded, and fail to meet modern safety and technological standards. Proponents also highlight the creation of a new public space, Central Vista Avenue, which aims to be pedestrian-friendly and showcase India’s cultural heritage.

However, critics have raised several concerns regarding the project. One of the main criticisms is its enormous cost at a time when the country is facing economic challenges and when public funds could be better utilised for healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. Opponents argue that the project prioritises the aesthetics of the central government over the needs of the people and could be seen as a misuse of public money.

Another major point of contention is the potential impact on democratic institutions. The current Parliament building holds historical significance and is seen as a symbol of Indian democracy. Critics argue that the project’s design, which includes a new Parliament building and changes to the surrounding area, could diminish the historical and cultural importance associated with the existing structures.

Environmental concerns have also been raised. The redevelopment of Central Vista involves extensive construction activities, including demolition and excavation, which may result in the loss of green cover and the displacement of wildlife. The project has faced legal challenges on environmental grounds, with concerns about its compliance with environmental regulations and the lack of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Moreover, the project has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and public consultation. Critics claim that decisions regarding the Central Vista Project have been made without adequate public debate, bypassing necessary approvals and disregarding expert opinions. The perception of a lack of transparency has further fueled opposition and raised questions about the democratic legitimacy of the project.
The Central Vista Project has remained a contentious issue, with ongoing legal battles, public protests, and petitions challenging its implementation. Its fate and impact on the urban landscape and democratic institutions in New Delhi continue to be subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.

New Parliament building: The cradle of political leadership
The centrepiece of the project is the construction of a new Parliament building. The existing Parliament House, which holds historical significance, will be preserved and repurposed for other uses. The new Parliament building is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of the legislative process, providing modern amenities, advanced technology, and enhanced security features.

Our Parliament, which survived the Indian liberation movement against colonial authority and witnessed many historical landmarks, is a prime example of the strength of the Indian democratic system. The Constitution of India was adopted in its current structure, which functioned as independent India’s first Parliament. Therefore, preserving and revitalising the Parliament building’s rich past is a matter of national significance.

The Parliament building, which is an emblem of India’s democratic spirit, is located in the centre of Central Vista. The current Parliament House in India was built between 1921 and 1927 and is a colonial-era structure by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The Imperial Legislative Council was housed in the structure, which was once known as the Council House.

In 1956, two stories were added to the Parliament building to accommodate the need for more room. The Parliament Museum was added in 2006 to highlight India’s 2,500-year history of democratic traditions. The structure needed to be significantly altered to serve the needs of a modern Parliament.

On December 10, 2020, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the cornerstone for the new Parliament Building in a ceremony that was also attended by cabinet ministers and ambassadors from many nations. The Prime Minister also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the structure, which is planned to be finished by October 2022 in time to host the Parliament’s winter session. The new Parliament will be 64,500 square metres in size.

Why Bharat needs a new Parliament?
Construction of the Parliament House building commenced in 1921 and was completed in 1927. With nearly a century of existence, it holds the prestigious status of being a Grade-I Heritage building. Over time, the volume of parliamentary activities, staff, and visitors has significantly multiplied.

Unfortunately, there are no records or blueprints documenting the original design of the building. Consequently, subsequent construction and alterations have been carried out in an improvised manner. For instance, in 1956, two additional floors were added to the outer circular section of the building, concealing the dome of the Central Hall and altering the appearance of the original structure. Furthermore, the covering of the Jaali windows has diminished the amount of natural light within the parliamentary halls. As a result, the building exhibits signs of strain and excessive use and fails to meet the present requirements in terms of space, amenities, and technology.

Limited seating space for MPs
The existing structure was not originally designed to accommodate a bicameral legislature suitable for a fully democratic system. The number of seats in the Lok Sabha has remained unchanged at 545 since the delimitation process based on the 1971 Census.

However, it is expected to increase significantly after 2026, as the freeze on the total number of seats will only be in effect until then. The seating arrangements are cramped and inconvenient, with desks only available up to the second row. The Central Hall can only accommodate 440 individuals, which exacerbates the seating shortage during joint sessions. Additionally, the limited space for movement poses a significant security risk.

Strained framework
Over time, the inclusion of additional services such as water supply lines, sewer lines, air conditioning, fire-fighting systems, CCTV, and audio-video systems, which were not initially part of the plan, has resulted in leaks and detrimental effects on the building’s overall appearance. The building’s fire safety is a significant concern as it does not conform to current fire regulations. The installation of numerous new electrical cables poses a potential fire hazard.

Outdated communication infrastructure
The communication infrastructure and technology within the current Parliament House are outdated. Significant improvements are needed to enhance the acoustics of all the halls.

Building’s structural safety issues
The building raises concerns regarding its structural safety. The current Parliament building was constructed when Delhi was categorised as Seismic Zone-II, but it is now situated in Seismic Zone-IV.

Insufficient workspaces for employees
Due to the growing need for workspaces, internal service corridors were repurposed as offices, resulting in cramped and low-quality workspaces.

In order to meet the expanding space demands, sub-partitions were added within existing workspaces, further exacerbating the issue of overcrowded offices.

Design and features of the new Parliament building
The design of the new parliament building embodies the aspirations of 1.35 billion Indians and will coexist harmoniously with the existing parliament building.

Central secretariat buildings: The project includes the construction of new central secretariat buildings. These buildings will serve as office spaces for various government ministries, departments, and administrative agencies. The aim is to provide modern, spacious, and efficient workspaces for bureaucrats and officials, replacing the existing office complexes in North Block and South Block.

Public facilities: The Central Vista Project also emphasises the creation of public facilities and amenities to enhance the experience of visitors and residents. This includes the development of Central Vista Avenue, a pedestrian-friendly promenade that will connect Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. The avenue will feature landscaped gardens, recreational spaces, cultural and art installations, and improved accessibility for pedestrians.

Integrated underground utilities: The redevelopment plan incorporates the construction of an integrated underground utility tunnel network. This network will house various utilities such as power lines, water supply systems, and communication infrastructure. By moving these utilities underground, the project aims to improve the aesthetics of the area and ensure the efficient functioning of services.

Heritage preservation: While the project emphasises modernization, there is also a focus on preserving and showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of the area. Efforts will be made to conserve and restore important heritage structures, including the existing Parliament House, to maintain their architectural significance. The project also envisions the establishment of a Central Vista Museum to showcase the history, art, and culture of the central administrative area.

Enhanced security features: As part of the redevelopment, enhanced security features will be integrated into the new facilities. These measures will include advanced surveillance systems, access control mechanisms, and emergency response systems to ensure the safety and security of the premises.

Facilities For MPs in new Parliament
The new Parliament building in India, which is being constructed as part of the Central Vista Project, aims to provide modern and enhanced facilities for Members of Parliament (MPs). Here are some of the key facilities that are being planned for MPs in the new Parliament:

Chambers and committee rooms: The new Parliament building will feature spacious chambers and committee rooms where MPs can conduct legislative proceedings and committee meetings. These spaces will be equipped with modern technology and infrastructure to facilitate efficient and effective deliberations.

Seating arrangements: The seating arrangements for MPs will be designed to accommodate the increased number of parliamentarians. The layout will be ergonomic and comfortable, ensuring that MPs have adequate space to carry out their parliamentary duties.

Information technology infrastructure: The new Parliament building will have state-of-the-art information technology infrastructure to support digital governance and communication. MPs will have access to high-speed internet connectivity, audio-visual facilities, and digital voting systems to facilitate smooth and efficient parliamentary proceedings.

Research and resource centre: The new Parliament building is expected to house a dedicated research and resource centre. This centre will provide MPs with access to comprehensive information, research materials, and databases to support their legislative work. It will serve as a hub for research and analysis on various policy issues, enabling MPs to make informed decisions.

Library facilities: A modern and well-equipped library is likely to be included in the new Parliament building. This library will offer a vast collection of books, journals, research papers, and other reference materials to MPs. It will serve as a resource hub for in-depth research and knowledge enrichment.

Dining and refreshment areas: The new Parliament building is expected to have designated dining and refreshment areas where MPs can have meals and networking opportunities. These areas will cater to diverse culinary preferences, providing a range of food options to suit individual preferences and dietary requirements.

Office spaces: Adequate office spaces will be provided within the new Parliament building for MPs to carry out their administrative and constituency-related work. These offices will be equipped with essential amenities, including desks, computers, telephones, and meeting rooms, to facilitate efficient workflow.

Support staff facilities: The new Parliament building will include facilities for the support staff of MPs, including office spaces, rest areas, and facilities for training and capacity building. This will ensure that MPs have access to a competent and efficient support system to assist them in their parliamentary responsibilities.

National emblem on top
The national emblem posted on the top of the new Parliament building in India represents the official symbol of the country. The national emblem of India, known as the State Emblem of India, features the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is a sculpture preserved at the Sarnath Museum in Uttar Pradesh.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a prominent emblem of ancient India and holds great historical and cultural significance. The emblem consists of four lions standing back-to-back, symbolising power, courage, pride, and confidence. These lions are mounted on a circular abacus, which represents the Wheel of Dharma, one of the Asoka Chakras.

The State Emblem of India also includes other elements, such as the motto Satyameva Jayate inscribed below the abacus. It is a Sanskrit phrase meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, which signifies the importance of truth and righteousness in the nation’s progress.

The placement of the national emblem atop the new Parliament building serves as a symbolic representation of the sovereignty, unity, and identity of India as a democratic republic. It highlights the values and principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, reflecting the nation’s commitment to democracy, justice, and the welfare of its citizens.

The national emblem, positioned prominently at the pinnacle of the new Parliament building, serves as a reminder of India’s rich heritage, democratic ideals, and the solemn responsibility of the parliamentarians to uphold the nation’s democratic values and work towards the welfare of the people.

Sengol At New Parliament Of Bharat
The new Parliament building will feature the installation of a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu called Sengol. This sceptre holds historical significance as it was used by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, during the transfer of power from British colonial rule. Previously, it had been kept in a museum in Allahabad.

The term Sengol is derived from the Tamil word Semmai, meaning ‘righteousness.’ It originates from the civilizational practices of the Chola kingdom, which was one of the prominent kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent for several centuries. As per Tamil tradition, a high priest presents a sceptre to a newly crowned king as a symbolic gesture of power transition.

The presentation of the Sengol signifies the expectation of a just and impartial rule. C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor General of India, suggested that this tradition, observed by the Chola dynasty, could serve as a significant symbol of India’s freedom from British rule.

Crafted by the renowned jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty in Chennai, the Sengol is an impressive sceptre measuring five feet in length. It features a representation of the Nandi bull at the top, symbolising the concept of justice.

Newton Mishra is an entrepreneur and columnist. He is also the founder-director of TMP Limited
Rajan Mishra is a researcher at TMP Limited
Disclaimer: Views expressed are the author’s own