Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today shared pictures from his visit to Central Vista Avenue and the new parliament sites, and praised the workers involved in the construction of the two projects. "The toil and perseverance of our workers is giving shape to architectural heritage for the future generations," Mr Puri, who had earlier said that the projects will be a symbol of modern India, tweeted along with a number of pictures taken at the site.
"Work is on schedule. Quick progress being made. The new look Central Vista Avenue, with a judicious mix of modern with traditional will redefine the heart of the city," he said.
The minister also took a jibe at the opposition leaders who have criticised the construction work amid the pandemic. The architectural heritage will make the ice cream evenings of the 'Vidvaans (learned)', even better, he said.
The minister had gone to the site to take stock of the construction work.
The redevelopment of the the nation's power corridor envisages a new parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the 3-km Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, new residence and office for the Prime Minister, and a new Vice Presidential Enclave.
The project has been criticised by opposition parties, especially the Congress, which argued that the money would be put to better use if it were spent to upgrade the healthcare system.
The centre has said that the project is a "necessity" and that the big ticket makeover had no bearing on the procurement of vaccines.
The parliament building is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹ 862 crore and the Central Vista Avenue at ₹ 477 crore. "The total cost of the project construction currently underway is around ₹ 1,300-odd crore... We want to finish the new Parliament building by 2022 to mark 75 years of independence," Mr Puri had earlier said.
