Prime Minister Narendra Modi caught everyone by surprise as he arrived for an inspection on Sunday night at the construction site of the new Parliament building, under the Central Vista redevelopment project, for an inspection.
The PM, wearing a construction helmet, arrived without prior intimation and security detail. He spent almost an hour at the site and undertook a close assessment of the construction status.
The project being constructed at a cost of Rs 971 crore is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
When laying the foundation stone for the new Parliament in December last year, the Prime Minister stated that the new structure will satisfy the country’s 21st-century aspirations while symbolising the “coexistence of the new and the ancient."
The primary Central Vista project includes the construction of a new Parliament House, as well as a new residence complex for the Prime Minister and Vice President. It will also have new office buildings and a Central Secretariat to house the offices of numerous ministries.
Government officials have said that Parliament’s winter session in 2022 will be held in the new building which will have an area of 64,500 square metres.
It will also have a grand Constitution Hall to showcase India’s democratic heritage, a lounge for members of Parliament, a library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas and ample parking space.