**Former CPWD director reveals challenges faced during the planning of Central Vista project**
– Former CPWD director general Prabhakar Singh has opened up about the challenges faced during the planning of the Central Vista project.
– Singh revealed that the plan for constructing a new Parliament was first discussed in 2012, but it never took off.
– In 2014, the NDA government expressed the need for a more functional office space, which led to the consideration of a new secretariat.
– The CPWD explored different sites for the new central secretariat, including Lodhi Colony.
– Eventually, the Central Vista masterplan, designed by HCP Design, Planning and Management, was finalized and is currently being implemented.
– The Common Central Secretariat is being constructed along the Central Vista after the demolition of existing buildings.
– The new Parliament, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, was built on a triangular-shaped plot next to the old building.
– The plot near the Rakabganj Gurdwara, which was earlier considered for the new Parliament, is now the site of the Vice President’s Enclave project.
– The old Parliament, completed in 1927, had seen additions and damage over the years, making it unfit for future needs.
**Former CPWD director addresses criticism and challenges**
– Singh acknowledged that criticism from activists, environmentalists, and political opponents is a normal part of the life of CPWD engineers.
– He mentioned that such criticism helps improve the planning and design of projects and strengthens their resolve to complete them on time and within budget.
– Singh highlighted the need for modern office spaces and the regular refurbishment required for the existing buildings.
– With the push from the PMO, the CPWD began considering options for a new secretariat and eventually finalized the Central Vista masterplan.
**Benefits and compromises of the Central Vista project**
– The new Parliament building, which will likely host the upcoming Monsoon Session, was built on a plot that was initially considered in 2012 but deemed too small.
– Singh explained that the selection of the plot was a compromise as it was the only viable option at the time.
– The ongoing Vice President’s Enclave project is now located at the site near the Rakabganj Gurdwara.
– The old Parliament building, with its thick walls and natural airflow, could not be retrofitted to cater to future needs due to overuse and the need for expansion.
In conclusion, former CPWD director Prabhakar Singh has shed light on the challenges and decision-making process behind the Central Vista project. Despite criticism, the project aims to provide modern office spaces and address the refurbishment needs of existing buildings. The new Parliament building and Common Central Secretariat are part of the larger Central Vista masterplan, which is being implemented to meet the functional requirements of government offices.
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