Key things to know about the New Parliament building

In a monumental stride towards modernity and progress, India recently unveiled its new Parliament building, a structure that embodies the nation’s aspirations and democratic ethos. This architectural marvel, designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving nation, stands as a testament to India’s commitment to embrace the future while staying rooted in its rich heritage. The new Parliament building, located in New Delhi, represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey as a vibrant democracy, poised to shape the destiny of over 1.3 billion citizens.

These are the important facts to be aware of regarding the new Parliament.

The foundation stone of the new Parliament building was laid by the Prime Minister on December 10, 2020.

The new Parliament, constructed by Tata Projects Ltd, will feature several noteworthy elements. It will boast a magnificent constitution hall, designed to exhibit India’s rich democratic heritage.

Design and construction
Architect(s)	Bimal Patel
Architecture firm	HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd.

The new Parliament building has been designed to accommodate a significant number of members in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers. The Lok Sabha chamber can comfortably seat 888 members, providing ample space for representatives to participate in debates and discussions. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha chamber can accommodate 300 members, ensuring a suitable environment for the deliberations and proceedings of the upper house.

The ceremonial sceptre, next to the Speaker’s seat, is called “sengol” – which derives from the Tamil word “semmai”, meaning “righteousness”.

In the event of a joint sitting of both Houses, the new Lok Sabha chamber is designed to accommodate a total of 1,280 members. This arrangement allows for a larger gathering of parliamentarians to convene and participate in discussions or decision-making processes, fostering collaboration and effective governance.

The new Parliament building, characterized by its distinctive triangular shape, stands tall with four storeys. It encompasses a substantial built-up area spanning 64,500 square metres.

The building has three main gates — Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar, and Karma Dwar. It will have separate entrances for VIPs, MPs, and visitors.

The new Lok Sabha chamber has been creatively designed with a peacock theme, incorporating elements inspired by the feathers of the national bird. The walls and ceiling feature intricate carvings that depict the patterns and beauty of peacock feathers. To complement this theme, teal-colored carpets add a touch of elegance and harmony to the chamber’s overall ambiance.

In contrast, the design of the Rajya Sabha chamber revolves around the theme of the national flower, the lotus. The chamber’s aesthetics and decor draw inspiration from the lotus, showcasing its symbolism and significance. This thematic approach creates a unique and meaningful atmosphere within the Rajya Sabha chamber, reflecting the nation’s cultural and natural heritage.

For the construction of the new Parliament building, teakwood was sourced from Nagpur in Maharashtra. The red and white sandstone, on the other hand, was procured from Sarmathura in Rajasthan. It is interesting to note that the same sandstone from Sarmathura has been historically used for iconic structures in the national capital such as the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.

The Kesharia green stone has been procured from Udaipur, the red granite from Lakha near Ajmer and the white marble has been sourced from Ambaji in Rajasthan.

The steel structure used for the false ceilings in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers of the new Parliament building has been sourced from the union territory of Daman and Diu. The furniture adorning the new building has been meticulously crafted in Mumbai.

The intricate stone ‘jaali’ (lattice) works that embellish the new Parliament building were sourced from two different locations. The first source is Rajnagar in Rajasthan, known for its skilled stone artisans. The second source is Noida in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the stunning lattice work found throughout the building.

The materials used for the Ashoka Emblem in the new Parliament building were sourced from Aurangabad in Maharashtra and Jaipur in Rajasthan. These materials were carefully selected to create the iconic symbol. The Ashok Chakra, which adorns the massive walls of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers, as well as the exteriors of the Parliament building, was procured from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. This special element adds a touch of grandeur and symbolism to the overall design.

The new Parliament building takes pride in its built-in processes that prioritize efficiency in the utilization of energy, water, and other resources. Through innovative design and technology, it ensures minimal waste and maximum sustainability. Notably, the building has achieved a Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) certification of 5 Stars, signifying its adherence to stringent environmental standards and sustainable practices. This certification underscores the building’s commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint and promoting a greener, more sustainable future.