The construction of the new Parliament building and Vice President Enclave faced significant cost escalations due to rising prices of essential materials like steel and cement, increased labour wages, and a hike in GST rates. This information was shared by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Sahu highlighted that key components of the Central Vista project, including the redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue (stretching from Vijay Chowk to India Gate), the new Parliament building, and the Vice President Enclave, have already been completed.
Additionally, the minister informed that the construction of three buildings under the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) is on track for completion by May 2025. These structures are being built on the site previously occupied by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The CSS will eventually consist of 10 office buildings and a Central Conference Centre, housing various ministries. Another building under the CCS project is expected to be completed by April 2026.
The Central Vista project, a flagship initiative, aims to modernize government infrastructure while retaining the essence of India’s heritage. However, cost escalations have drawn attention due to global price hikes in construction materials and changes in tax structures.
