First Picture Of India's New Parliament Building Revealed, Here Are Its Key Features

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Saturday (5 December) unveiled the first look of India's new Parliament building which is expected to become operational in 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay its foundation stone on 10 December.

As per Birla, the regal building will be established on a sprawling 64,500 square metre area which is 17,000 more than the current building. It will have four floors.

The Lok Sabha will be located on the ground floor and will have a capacity to accommodate 888 members. The Rajya Sabha will be located on the first floor with a seating capacity of 384 members. Thus at a given time - or during a joint session the new building will be able to host 1,272 members. The MPs will also get a personal 40 square metre office space.

This extra capacity will be built keeping in mind the rise in number of parliamentary seats following the 2026 delimitation exercise.

As per reports, the triangular structure will have ceremonial entrances along with the main entrance and will incorporate regional art and craft elements.

Each MP seat in the new building will be equipped with digital audio-video systems and programmable rules-based microphones - which will allow the speaker to program who speaks for how long.

Besides the building, blocks will be constructed to provide services like reception, information counter and public waiting area.

The construction work is likely to be completed by October 2022 and the 75th Parliament session will be held in the new building. It will cost Rs 970 crore to construct.

The iconic old building will continue to be used and special care will be taken to preserve the heritage character of the premises.