The work on redevelopment of central vista Avenue with an estimated cost of `608 crore started on Thursday with a ‘bhoomi pujan’, ceremony. The government plans to hold the 2022 Republic Day parade on the newly-developed Rajpath, a project that is being executed under the government’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment plan.
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ for the redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue between the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate on Thursday. According to the Central Public Works Department, the ground-breaking ceremony was held at India Gate Lawn where senior officials, including ministry secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, were present.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, this would be one of the best Central Vista Avenue of the world. “Refurbished Avenue will come out as one of the best Central Vistas in the world. It will be ready for hosting next year’s Republic Day Parade & events in the 75th year of Indian Independence. With highest footfalls of Delhiites & domestic/foreign visitors, it will bring pride to Indians,” HUA secretary Durga Shankar Mishra tweeted after bhoomi pujan.
The objective of the project is to make the Avenue an icon that truly befits New India.
The Central Vista Avenue starting from North and South Block to India Gate that includes the Rajpath, its adjoining lawns and canals, rows of tree, Vijay Chowk and the India Gate plaza is a 3 km long stretch.
The work for the phase I has been awarded to one of the major construction companies M/s Shapoorji Pallonji Company (Pvt) Limited with the cost of Rs.477.
In the phase I, the Central Vista Avenue development plan include the artificial canal along Rajpath will be refurbished using sandstone; adequate walkways being provided along Rajpath, canals; Walkways across lawns with low level bridges over canals are being provided to ensure better connectivity with parking, public amenities at 12 suitable locations between India Gate and Vijay Chowk for visitors and tourist. Keeping pedestrian safety in mind, four underpasses under Janpath and C-hexagon will be built. Foldable seating arrangement to reduce time taken for installation and removal of temporary seating arrangement during Republic Day Celebrations will also be ensured.
The phase I plan also include proper parking for buses, two wheelers and four wheelers, signages, lighting, CCTV cameras, drainage, rain water harvesting, water supply system and sewerage treatment plant for recycling of waste water.
“Requisite permissions from Delhi Urban Arts Commission, Heritage Conservation Committee, Central Vista Committee, Local Body etc. have been obtained. The design also provides space and facilities for vendors, ensures that arrangements for national events cause minimal disruption, and ensures integrity and continuity of the Vista’s original layout, its geometries and its architectural character,” the ministry said in a statement. At a press conference last month, HUA Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra said the HCC had discussed the proposal and cleared it.
Along with the redevelopment of Central Vista and construction of a new Parliament, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has proposed a garden along the banks of the Yamuna near Purana Qila to mark 75 years of Independence. The CPWD had launched a design competition in November 2020 for the structure, which can be a tower or a sculpture. A total of 98 entries had been received, according to the CPWD’s website.
The redevelopment of central vista and Parliament project includes the construction of a new Parliament building, redevelopment of Rajpath, development of a Central Secretariat for all Ministries, new Prime Minister’s residence and office and Vice-President’s residence.