Vista revamp to have space to park 16k cars

NEW DELHI: The new Parliament complex and buildings that are being built as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project will have parking for at least 16,000 cars, and while that may mean a likely increase in traffic volume in the area, enough mitigation measures will be put in place to ensure there is no congestion or impact on traffic movement, the architectural consultant for the project said.

According to details provided by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is executing the project, to the Expert Appraisal Committee of the environment ministry, parking space for 14,095 vehicles will be provided in the common central secretariat buildings, central conference centre,

SPG building and the residences of the Prime Minister and the Vice President. Of the 14,095 parking slots, 13,719 will be in the common central secretariat buildings and the conference centre.

In addition to this, designated parking space will be developed along Central Vista avenue for over 1,000 cars and about 30 buses, according to the consultant (HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited). Currently, the area can accommodate up to 600 cars. As per the information provided by HCP, the new Parliament building and proposed MP chambers will have surface and basement parking for close to 900 vehicles.

The exact number of existing parking spaces in the area, which houses multiple government buildings isn’t known.

Once the project is complete, the employee population, which is currently around 57,000, in the area is expected to increase by 10-15%.

In an email response to HT’S query, HCP said:“the increase in employee population is expected to be between 10-15%, as people essential for the functioning of the Government of India will be brought here as all ministries will be consolidated in the Central Secretariat.” But around 9,000 people, currently operating from offices behind North Block and South Block will be moved to offices outside the Central Vista area.

The social and environmental footprint of the Central Vista redevelopment just got wider and more harmful. KANCHI KOHLI, Centre for Policy Research