Centre steers Central Vista redevelopment project

The Union Government has approved land use change for execution of its ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project in Lutyens' Delhi. In this connection, the notification was issued by the concerned Ministry. The Central Vista - the nation's power corridor -- envisages a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, common Central Secretariat and revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath -- from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. The new Parliament House building will come up on a 9.5-acre land near the existing building. Sources said that prime minister's residence and office are likely to be shifted near the South Block and the vice-president's new house will also be in the vicinity of the North Block. The vice president's current residence is amongst the buildings identified by the government for demolition for the purpose of the project. According to the notification, a residential complex will be developed in the north direction of South Block and another in the south of Dalhousie Road, paving the way for shifting of the prime minister's office and residence. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) is also likely to be shifted. According to the proposed plan, the IGNCA building and nine others including Udyog Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Shashtri Bhawan, vice-president's residence are likely to be demolished for the construction of a common Central Secretariat which is likely to comprise 10 buildings, four on each side of the Central Vista, with eight floors each which will house various ministries.