Defence ministry invites global bidders for National War Memorial

Post-Independence, more than 25,000 soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice in national interests and in defence of the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The government has approved ₹ 500 crores for the project

The Defence Ministry has launched a global competition for selecting designs for National War Memorial and Museum near India Gate in memory of over 25,000 soldiers who laid down their lives post-Independence.

The project, for which the government has approved ₹ 500 crores, is to be completed in five years at Princess Park in New Delhi.

Post-Independence, more than 25,000 soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice in national interests and in defence of the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

While their final movements would have gone unnoticed and on occasions their final resting place unknown, this museum will capture those poignant moments in history and bring out the variegated nature of their commitments.

"The design of the memorial should be a fitting monument to honour the memory of the brave soldiers. Located at the heart of the national capital, standing tall between the expanse of manicured lawns and grand buildings, the National War Memorial must be majestic and timeless," the design brief said.

It also said the memorial would need to solemnly showcase number, rank, name, and unit of approximately 25,000 martyrs on a commemorative wall with scope for future requirements.

For making absorbing and unforgettable experience installations such as art murals, statues, fascias celebrating battle victories and unexceptional sacrifices may be incorporated.

The National War Memorial would thematically integrate with the National War Museum, which is proposed to be built at Princess Park, through an underground connection, providing the visitor with inspiring opportunity for an enriching and gratifying experience, the brief said.

The last date for online submission is September 15 and the final result will be announced on December 31.

It has been decided that the project will be monitored by an empowered Steering Committee chaired by the Defence Secretary and assisted by a dedicated project management team, to ensure that the project is completed within scheduled timeframe.

Post commissioning, a management body will be formed for maintenance of the National War Memorial and the museum.