The plan for the expansion of Vidhan Bhavan at Nagpur is ready, but it can’t start till it gets official permission. A top Government officer told ‘The Hitavada’ that the process to get necessary permission is yet to begin. This project is planned keeping in mind rising occupancy and the workload of the State Legislature. The project has already received No Objection Certificate from Industries Department for transfering the land admeasuring 9,670 square meters at Government Printing Press in Civil Lines. The project is being handled by Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC).

 

According to the information, the mega project awaits approval from the Government. On gettting the nod, it is likely to be developed by two contractors, considering its volume. During Winter Session of State Legislature in Nagpur in December 2024, the issue was discussed and the land was almost finalised. Earlier, the Government had planned to utilise the building Poonam Towers, but the dispute could not be resolved. Industries Department owns 4 acre land of Government Printing Press. Some leaders had raised the issue that equal land should be given to the department. Considering the issue, the Government has decided to transfer the land owned by Food and Civil Supplies Department behind Central Museum to Industries Department. As per the plan, the existing building housing Assembly and Council will remain untouched.

 

The new building will come up at the place of existing party offices adjacent to the Assembly hall. The new building is planned considering the needs for next 50 years. A brainchild of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the proposal was put up for consideration during his first tenure as Chief Minister. It was Fadnavis who had performed bhoomipujan of the expansion of Vidhan Bhavan building in its premises which came into existence later on. The estimated cost for the new building is Rs 900 crore and will have a central hall and an administrative block. The capacity of the central hall will be 700. On some occasions Governor delivers speech addressing the members of both Houses. At present Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan doesn’t have such hall. The new building will house offices for the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, Assembly Speaker, Council Chairman, and Leaders of the Opposition—all under one roof.

 

It is also being contemplated to have the Central Hall, Assembly Hall, Legislative Council Hall in this seven-storey complex. Additionally, a separate six-storey building will be constructed nearby for Cabinet members. The complex will also include facilities such as parking, a cafeteria, visitor lounges, and security units. Moreover, land currently occupied by the Government Printing Press has been allocated to the legislature. On this land, a grand 14-storey building covering approximately 4 lakh sq. ft. will be built for ministerial administrative offices. The Vidhan Bhavan premises and the proposed administrative building will either be connected by an underground tunnel or by skywalk. According to a senior officer the plan can be changed during the process of receipt of its permission from the authorities. 

 

 

The Assembly constituencies are likely to be increased in Maharashtra in next three of four years. The Assembly will be able to occupy the increased number of members, considering which there will be 500 seats in the new assembly. The old council will be shifted to the existing assembly (in old building). There will be a 15-storey tower to be constructed near Central Hall which will be treated as administrative building and will come up adjacent to the existing Vidhan Bhavan, on a land owned by State’s Industries Department. The party offices too are to be demolished as the new ones will be constructed.

 

 

The expansion work of Vidhan Bhavan is unlikely to start within next six months. After the receipt of the permission the project will start and take at least 2 years to complete. It is unlikely to affect winter session of State Legislature conducted in Nagpur. Despite huge construction work, the space will be there so that the session will be conducted as it is. A senior officer of PWD said, “Special care will be taken during the construction. During winter session the work will be stopped. The winter session will be conducted as it is till the completion of the project. Afterwards it will be held in the new building.