Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (independent charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Thursday said that the next Republic Day parade will be on Central Vista Avenue. Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi today performed the 'Bhoomi poojan' ceremony of the Central Vista Avenue at India Gate.
"Next R-Day parade will be on Central Vista Avenue. It'll be a symbol of Modern India. Some don't understand its importance, some don't want the country to progress. They were questioning the COVID vaccine too but as all can see, we had a phenomenal rollout," said the Union Minister.
With the 'Bhoomi poojan' ceremony, the development and redevelopment work of Central Vista Avenue had begun. The Central Vista Avenue area begins from North and South Block to India Gate that includes the Rajpath, its adjoining lawns and canals, rows of trees, Vijay Chowk and the India Gate plaza, stretching about three km long.
The government has decided to refurbish and improve the avenue, as part of the comprehensive transformation of Central Vista. The estimated cost for the development of Central Vista Avenue is said to be for ₹ 608 crores.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) will be executing the Central Vista project.
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The Central Vista is the most visited tourist spot in Delhi, Puri had informed the Lok Sabha last year. The Avenue is used for R-Day parade and several other functions.
The Central Vista's redevelopment project visualises a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat and revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath, from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate in Lutyens' Delhi. Phase one development work under Phase-I includes refurbishing of landscaping and lawns. Green cover being increased from 3,50,000 sqm to about 3,90,000 sqm, proper public conveniences with toilets, drinking water facilities and vending areas are being provided at 10 locations for visitors and tourists and few others.