Amid concerns raised by architects and activists over the Centre’s revamp plan for the Central Vista in New Delhi, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said there had been total transparency in the project and the architect chosen for the job had consulted multiple town planners and experts for it.

He was responding to queries over two petitions filed by activists in the Delhi High Court and concerns raised by heritage and architecture experts on the proposed revamp.

Central Vista development plan

The Central Vista starting from Rashtrapati Bhavan up to India Gate is the heart of the city which has been a point of attraction for visitors from all over the world.

The buildings on Raisina Hills were constructed in the period from 1911 to 1931, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. At that time, they were designed to have offices for the Viceroy and the Secretariat. The Parliament building was constructed during the same period. Various buildings along Rajpath have been constructed at different stages for accommodating offices of various central ministries and departments.

The Narendra Modi government has prepared a blueprint for its ambitious plan to redevelop Central Vista - the nation’s power corridor.

Who is behind the new plan?

Ahmedabad-based HCP Design has won the consultancy bid for architectural and engineering planning of the plan to redevelop Central Vista.

HCP Design, led by Bimal Patel, is one of the leading architect firms in India, having vast experience of designing various buildings and spaces like Central Vista and State Secretariat in Gandhinagar, Sabarmati River Front Development in Ahmedabad, Mumbai Port Complex, etc. It has designed some projects outside India as well.

After the master plan is prepared, steps would be taken to execute the works by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) by awarding the works to reputed contractors.

What are the main changes expected?

The redevelopment plan of Central Vista is likely to include a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, common Central Secretariat to accommodate offices of all ministries and the revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan till India Gate.

According to an official, the CPWD has estimated that the redevelopment of Central Vista will cost around Rs 12,879 crore.

Under the project, the prime minister’s residence and office are likely to be shifted near the South Block and the vice-president’s new house will be in the vicinity of the North Block.

The common Central Secretariat will comprise 10 buildings, five on each side of the Central Vista. Each building will have eight floors, which will house various ministries.

There are currently around 25,000 to 32,000 employees working in various ministries situated in different locations in Lutyens’ Delhi. The common Central Secretariat will accommodate more employees at one place.

The new Parliament building will have a seating capacity of 900 to 1,200 MPs, and have modern facilities like computer screens on tables and comfortable seating space, and offices for ministers and MPs, as per the plan.

Nirman Bhavan, Vigyan Bhavan, vice-president’s house, Udyog Bhavan, Shastri Bhavan are among those Lutyens’ buildings that are likely to be razed for the construction of a common Central Secretariat.

The triangular Parliament building is targeted to be constructed by August 2022, when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024.

On the proposed extended portion of the Central Vista, the government plans to construct a garden near the Yamuna - New India Garden - to install structures commemorating 75 years of India’s independence.

According to the plan, the South Block will reflect the country’s history till 1857, while the North Block will showcase the history after 1857. These two historic buildings will be converted into grand museums. People will have easy access to them, which is currently a high-security zone. At present, the South Block houses the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs, while the North Block has offices of the Home Ministry and Finance Ministry.

Why is the government planning a revamp?

The structures on Raisina Hill and Rajpath were designed more than 100 years ago. These buildings are not able to provide enough space, amenities and comfort. The requirement of safety standards has also increased. More space is required to accommodate all central government offices.  

Due to delimitation, more number of MPs may be there in future and hence more space is required for them. Even for current MPs, the space and amenities required is quite insufficient in Parliament House.

Lots of visitors come to Central Vista from abroad and there is a need to improve the beauty of Central Vista to make it a world-class tourist attraction, officials said.

According to an estimate, the government is paying Rs 1,000 crore as rent annually for its offices spread across the national capital.

Concerns over the revamp project

The northern chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects has objected to the modifications proposed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to the zonal development plan of Central Vista on the grounds that there is a loss of at least 80 acres earmarked for the general public.

Puri said one of the concerns raised by a few people is that heritage buildings are going to be torn down. “We have shown exactly that every iconic heritage building will be exactly where it is,” he said.

Asked about other concerns raised by activists that the revamp project will take away a lot of public space, Puri said, “public space will in fact increase”.

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is likely to be shifted from its current location as part of the project.

Asked about the IGNCA, he said, “A grander mega cultural centre will be built as part of the new project. It will be world-class infrastructure like Sydney Opera House and other such iconic buildings.”

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