The new Parliament building in Delhi, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2023, was designed by the Ahmedabad-based firm HCP Design Planning Private Limited. The responsibility for designing the building was awarded to them after a series of bidding rounds. The construction was carried out by the Tata Group at a cost of Rs. 971 crore over a period of slightly over two years.
The new Parliament building spans across an area of 64,500 square meters and stands four storeys tall in the heart of Delhi, adjacent to the old Parliament building. It is part of the larger Central Vista project initiated by the Modi government.
One notable difference between the new and old Parliament buildings is the increased seating capacity. The new Lok Sabha can accommodate 888 Members of Parliament, a significant increase from the previous capacity of 552 seats. Similarly, the new Rajya Sabha has seating for up to 384 MPs, compared to the previous capacity of 245 seats. The new Lok Sabha is approximately three times larger than its predecessor and draws inspiration from India’s national bird, the peacock. On the other hand, the new Rajya Sabha takes design cues from India’s national flower, the lotus.
Additionally, the new Parliament building has increased seating capacity for joint sessions of Parliament, with provisions for 1,272 members and an additional 1,140 seats. The construction of the new building required substantial quantities of steel, cement, and fly ash.
Overall, the new Parliament building marks a significant upgrade in terms of size, design, and seating capacity, aiming to provide an enhanced environment for the legislative proceedings of India.
