Bharat’s new parliament building
The parliament proceedings are set to move to a new building, marking a significant transition from a historic landmark. The old parliament building, which has witnessed pivotal moments, including the adoption of the Constitution, will see a new chapter unfold.
The Iconic Old Parliament Building
Completed in 1927, the old parliament building stands at 96 years old. While it holds a special place in history, it has become inadequate for present-day requirements. In a heartfelt address in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to “every brick” of the old building, emphasizing that MPs will enter the new building with “new hope and confidence.”
Old & New #Parliament in one frame. #ParliamentSpecialSession pic.twitter.com/UqdGEydBD4
— Vishal Pandey (@vishalpandeyk) September 18, 2023
Preservation Over Demolition
The iconic parliament building, designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, not only bore witness to the struggle for independence but also the country’s rise afterward. Government sources have confirmed that the building won’t face demolition; instead, it will undergo a comprehensive retrofitting process to provide more functional spaces for parliamentary events.
According to sources, the preservation of this historic structure is paramount, as it is considered an archaeological asset of the country. In 2021, the then Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, had informed the Rajya Sabha that the existing structure would be repaired and made available for alternative use.
Repurposing and Expansion
As part of the preservation efforts, the national archives will be shifted to the new parliament building for heritage-sensitive restoration. This move will not only ensure the conservation of the old Parliament building but also provide it with additional space.
Furthermore, there are reports suggesting that a section of the old building could be transformed into a museum, preserving its historical significance for future generations.
The New Parliament Building
In May of the current year, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new parliament building, heralding a new era in Indian politics. The grand structure boasts the capacity to comfortably seat 888 members in the Lok Sabha chamber and 300 in the Rajya Sabha chamber. For joint sessions of both houses, it can accommodate 1,280 MPs within the Lok Sabha chamber.
Prime Minister @narendramodi , Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers and MPs proceed to New Parliament from Old Parliament.#ParliamentSpecialSession pic.twitter.com/7dW43m89QU
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 19, 2023
The new parliament building, a four-story triangular-shaped marvel, has a built-up area of 64,500 square meters. It features three main gates – Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar, and Karma Dwar – along with separate entrances for VIPs, MPs, and visitors. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped to meet the evolving needs of India’s legislative processes while paying homage to the nation’s rich history.
The transition to the new parliament building represents a significant moment in India’s political landscape, blending tradition with modernity and preserving the legacy of the past for a brighter future.
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