Designed initially during British colonial rule by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the Central Vista is now one of the most complex and debated urban architectural projects in independent India. This plan aimed to carry out several projects to improve the national capital’s government infrastructure. “If the old Parliament House guided post-independence India, the new building would see the birth of – Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” our Hon’ble Prime Minister said.
The design by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker evolved into a complex administrative centre in India, housing all facilities required for the government’s efficient operation. The Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Blocks, and the Record Office were all inaugurated in the late 1920s. This plan was created with traditional tools that included a strong axis, an emphasis focal point, the formation of virtual nodes, and a clear termination point. It was one of the most outstanding projects of its kind globally, designed to reveal India’s spirit, progress, and global importance. Following independence, the government kept the administrative buildings built to meet the modern office space demands and changing infrastructure needs. Central Vista gradually lost its original symmetry and became inefficient for smooth operation in the years following Independence. The reason was impromptu developments that did not follow Lutyens’ original master plan. As a result, a new, revamped Central Vista plan was devised as the solution.
The redevelopment plan of Central Vista was proposed to attain the current and future space needs of different Ministries and Departments. The project aimed to improve public facilities, social amenities, tourist attractions, parking facilities, and so on. The new Parliament Building is 64,500 square metres and will increase the legislature’s seating capacity. The new Parliament will seat 888 people in the Lok Sabha and 384 in the Rajya Sabha. Central Vista currently serves as India’s administrative centre. The administrative offices of the Government of India are housed in the North and South Blocks, as well as the Bhavans along the Rajpath. These structures house the country’s most critical administrative institutions. Tata Projects Ltd. was awarded a contract for the construction of the New Parliament Building by the Central Public Works Department in September 2020 for INR 862 crores.
There are various points of view on the Central Vista project. Some are in favour of it, while others are against it. The Central Vista project’s supporters argue that it is necessary to modernise government infrastructure, increase efficiency, and provide better facilities for government officials and the general public. They argue that the current buildings need to be updated and more to meet the government’s growing needs. Those in favour also argue that the project will create jobs in the construction industry, boost the economy, and promote tourism by making the area more appealing to visitors. On the other hand, those who oppose the project argue that it is unnecessary and extravagant, with a very high cost that could be better spent on other pressing needs such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. They claim that the project prioritises aesthetics over public welfare and call into question its timing and resource allocation, particularly during economic hardship and the COVID-19 pandemic. There will also be some significant buildings demolished as a part of this project. Though the government officials did not disclose it, approximately 12 significant buildings will be pulled down. Some include the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the National Archives Annexe, National Museum, Sharma Shakti Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan etc. Critics also express concerns about the project’s environmental impact, including the potential loss of green spaces and increased pollution due to the construction activities.
Overall, the Central Vista project has been a subject of intense debate, with differing opinions on its necessity, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and transparency. The New Parliament building, a crucial part of the project, was inaugurated recently on the 28th of May by the Prime Minister.
Shruti Sharma
Shruti Sharma, a History graduate from Indraprastha College for Women. Her area of interest mainly lies with historical research, and inter-disciplinary research. Apart from this, she is really enthusiastic about visiting monuments and unexplored sites in Delhi.