Central Vista Project Phase II Receives ₹8,300 Crore Approval

Context:
The Government of India has approved a financial outlay of ₹8,300 crore for Phase II of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. This phase focuses on building the new Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Members of Parliament offices, cultural spaces, and supporting public infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• The allocation includes ₹720 crore for the construction of the new PMO complex.
• ₹1,500 crore has been set aside for building modern MP offices near the Parliament complex.
• The project also includes cultural hubs, museums, underground parking, green corridors, and updated public utilities within the Central Vista zone.
• The initiative is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Background

• The Central Vista Redevelopment Project was launched in 2019 to modernize the administrative core of India’s government infrastructure.
• Phase I included the new Parliament building (inaugurated in 2023), Central Secretariat revamp, and Kartavya Path (Rajpath) beautification.
• The plan is part of the government’s broader push for enhancing governance infrastructure and administrative efficiency.

Purpose of the Redevelopment

• Create a centralized and efficient administrative zone.
• Provide modern workspaces for MPs and officials.
• Enhance public accessibility and cultural engagement with national heritage.
• Replace aging colonial-era buildings with sustainable architecture.

Relevance for UPSC

Prelims:

• Project name: Central Vista Redevelopment
• Ministries involved: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• Year of launch: 2019
• Funds for Phase II: ₹8,300 crore

Mains (GS Paper 2):

• Infrastructure development and administrative reform
• Balancing modernization with heritage preservation
• Issues of land use planning, transparency, and public engagement
• Role of urban planning in governance efficiency

Sample MCQ

Q. The Central Vista Project Phase II includes which of the following?

1. Construction of a new Prime Minister’s Office
2. Development of Members of Parliament offices
3. Expansion of the Supreme Court complex
4. Creation of cultural and public utility spaces

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: C

Explanation:
Phase II includes a new PMO, MP offices, and cultural/public spaces. Supreme Court expansion is not part of this phase.