The plan for the expansion of Vidhan Bhavan at Nagpur is ready, but it can’t start till it gets the permission. During Winter Session of State Legislature a top Government officer had made a shocking revelation that the process to get permission to the project would start soon. According to a senior officer with Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) it is likely to get permission in the week starting from March 30. There is no hurdle but the project needs certain approvals. For example, the then Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari had given a nod to incorporate the modification in Development Plan of Nagpur. It was done to ease the process of the Vidhan Bhavan expansion.

 

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. This huge project needs to get approval from the Government as it is likely to be developed by two contractors, considering its vastness. If the project gets permission next week, then MSIDC will swing into action. This is the dream project of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who had brought it during his first tenure as Chief Minister.

 

It was he, who had performed the bhoomipujan of the expansion of Vidhan Bhavan building in its premises which came into existence later on. It was to be done by Public Works Department (PWD) but then handed over to MSIDC. During winter session in Nagpur in December 2024, the issue was discussed and the land was almost finalised. Industries Department owns 4-acre land of Government Printing Press. Government has decided to transfer the land owned by Food and Civil Supplies Department behind Central Museum to Industries Department. The expansion of Vidhan Bhavan is planned against the backdrop of possible rise in the Assembly constituencies. The new building will come at the place of existing party offices adjacent to the Assembly Hall.

 

This new building is planned considering the needs for next 50 years. The estimated cost for the new building is Rs 900 crore 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. Currently occupied by the Government Printing Press it has been allocated to the legislature. According to a senior officer the plan can be changed during process of receipt of its permission from the authorities.