Know About The Difference Between Old And New Parliament Buildings

The most apparent dissimilarity between the old and new Parliament buildings lies in their architectural origins.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building on 28 May 2023, seeking blessings from revered spiritual leaders representing various ‘adheenams’ in Tamil Nadu while holding a sacred sceptre. Accompanied by Vedic chants performed by priests from Karnataka’s Shringeri Math, the prime minister conducted a “Ganapati Homam” to invoke divine blessings for the inauguration of the new Parliament.

 Carrying the historic Sengol, he led a procession accompanied by the melodious sounds of the “nadaswaram” and the recitation of Vedic mantras towards the new Parliament building. Several prominent leaders, including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, S Jaishankar, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mansukh Mandaviya, Jitendra Singh, Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and BJP President J P Nadda, graced the occasion with their presence.

Difference between old and new parliament buildings

  • Architectural Origins

The most apparent dissimilarity between the old and new Parliament buildings lies in their architectural origins. Famous British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker created the current building, embodying the colonial era’s style. The new structure, in contrast, was designed by architect Bimal Patel under the direction of a group from Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management.

  • Size and Plan of New Parliament Building

The new Parliament building spans a vast area of roughly 64,500 square metres in terms of physical size. The current circular structure, in contrast, has a diameter of 560 feet (170.69 metres), a circumference of 536.33 metres (one-third of a mile), and a surface area of almost six acres (24,281 square metres). The new building’s larger area will make accommodating more lawmakers and necessary amenities easier.

  • Increased Seating Capacity

The seating capacities of the new and old Parliament buildings are one of their main differences. The new structure will provide space for roughly 888 lawmakers in the Lok Sabha, up from 543, and around 300 members in the Rajya Sabha, up from the current 250. This improved capability promotes democratic involvement by allowing for the admission of more representatives.

  • Enhanced Safety Features

The current Parliament building was not designed to consider the region’s increased seismic activity because it was constructed when New Delhi was still considered in seismic zone II. However, the new structure was built with strengthened safety precautions because Delhi is now in seismic zone IV. Due to the years-long addition of various wires, the original building also had issues with electrical safety. These possible fire concerns are addressed in the rebuilt structure, providing a safer atmosphere.

  • Modern Resources

The new edifice offers state-of-the-art amenities, whereas the previous Parliament building has integrated certain modern amenities in a haphazard manner. The new structure will be outfitted with cutting-edge technology, including biometrics for seamless voting, digital language interpretation or translation systems, and programmable microphones. Additionally, it will prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities, striving for inclusivity.

  • Central Hall Absence

A notable deviation in the new Parliament building is the absence of a Central Hall for joint sessions, which exists in the current structure. Joint sessions will henceforth be held inside the Lok Sabha chamber, encouraging a more streamlined and effective use of the time available.