UP begins process for new Vidhan Sabha complex

Lucknow: The UP govt initiated the process for constructing a new legislative assembly (Vidhan Sabha) complex in the state capital. The proposed project is to come up on the Sahara Shahar land located in Vipul Khand, Gomtinagar, with technical and strategic preparations underway.The selected land, situated in Gomti Nagar, was originally owned by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) and the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and was leased to the Sahara Group. After prolonged legal and administrative proceedings, the state govt took possession of the property, where the new assembly complex is proposed to be developed.
The existing assembly building is close to a century old. With an increase in the number of legislators, rising security requirements, and the push for digital functioning, the demand for a new facility has been pending for years. The upcoming complex is expected to have higher capacity and function on a paperless e-Assembly model, with upgraded facilities for members and officials.Officials said the move followed the construction of the new Parliament building in New Delhi, with UP accelerating plans for its own upgraded Vidhan Sabha complex. As part of the first major step, the process to appoint an expert consultant was launched. The consultant was tasked with preparing the building design and outlining the project's financial and administrative feasibility.LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar said that the govt issued directives for appointing the consultant. The proposal has been structured to ensure technical viability, financial planning and administrative functionality. The consultant has been assigned responsibilities ranging from preliminary surveys to preparation of the master plan.Following the consultant's appointment, soil testing, environmental impact assessment and architectural planning are to begin. Authorities said the design is expected to reflect elements of the state's cultural identity along with contemporary infrastructure needs.The consultancy firm has been asked to submit a detailed land assessment report within two months, based on which the govt will take a final call on developing the proposed Vidhan Bhavan and secretariat complex across the 245-acre site.