India set to get a new Parliament. Here's all about it

Modi also performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the building.

Priests from the Sringeri Math Karnataka did the rituals for the 'bhoomi pujan' at the new Parliament building site and it was followed by a 'sarva dharma prarthana' (inter-faith prayer).

The theme of the new building would celebrate the cultural diversity of the country. It would also incorporate regional arts and crafts. Artisans and sculptures from across the country would be employed to complete the new structure making it a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

The new building will have an area of 64,500 square metres. The new building will also have a grand Constitution Hall to showcase India's democratic heritage, a lounge for members of Parliament, a library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas and ample parking space. However, it will not have the iconic Central Hall like the existing building.

In the new building, the Lok Sabha chamber will have a seating capacity for 888 members, while Rajya Sabha will have 384 seats for members. The Lok Sabha chamber will have an option to increase its sitting capacity to 1,224 members during joint sessions. This has been done keeping in mind the future increase in the number of members for the two houses.

On the periphery of the new building, blocks will come up for the reception, information counter and public waiting area. It will be made accessible for the differently-abled. Besides the main entrance, the triangular structure will have a ceremonial entrance and one exclusively for the Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Tata Projects Limited won the bid to construct the new Parliament building at a cost of Rs 861.90 crore. The new building will be constructed close to the existing one under the Central Vista redevelopment project.

The existing Parliament building will be conserved as it is an archaeological asset of the country. It will be suitably retro-fitted to provide more functional spaces for parliamentary events, to ensure its usage along with the new building.

Tata Trusts’ chairman Ratan Tata, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh and various religious leaders were also present at the event.