Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt on Thursday formally approved construction of a new Vidhan Bhavan complex in Nagpur at a cost of over Rs1,000 crore, something which the Cabinet Infrastructure Development Committee cleared on March 11. CM Devendra Fadnavis, who chaired the committee meeting in Mumbai, directed officials to ensure the complex is completed by 2028.The expansion covers two plots on the existing Vidhan Bhavan premises. Plot 1, earmarked for the new legislative building and annexe structures, has been approved at Rs662.89cr (inclusive of GST and centages). Plot 2, which will house a new administrative building for legislature-related work and offices for political parties registered in Maharashtra, has been cleared at Rs339.78crore on the same terms. The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) will be the implementing agency for both projects.Tenders for both plots will be floated on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. MSIDC is required to comply with conditions stipulated by the high-powered secretary committee. The Maharashtra Legislature Secretariat will issue administrative approval orders and make funds available for execution.The new complex will replace the existing Vidhan Bhavan, a British-era building dating to 1920 that has long been considered inadequate for present-day legislative requirements. The main structure on plot 1 comprises A, B and C blocks across four floors with a built-up area of 62,924sqft. The new assembly hall will seat 400 members, the legislative council chamber will accommodate 120, and the central hall is designed for around 700, enabling joint sittings of both Houses. The complex will also house offices for the CM, deputy chief ministers, assembly Speaker, council Chairman and leaders of opposition, along with committee rooms, media facilities, parking, cafeterias and a dedicated security zone.The administrative tower on plot 2 will be a 14-storey structure spread over 4 lakh sqft, built on 9,670sqm land transferred to the Legislature Secretariat from the Govt Press and Library at Civil Lines. The building will be connected to main Vidhan Bhavan by an underground tunnel. The project has been designed by architect Hafeez Contractor. Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar called for the complex to be grand and iconic when the blueprint was unveiled in Mumbai in July last year, while Fadnavis emphasised incorporating green building principles and public-friendly amenities.
