New Delhi – The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has officially commenced the demolition process for two iconic government buildings, Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan, as part of the ambitious Central Vista redevelopment plan. The CPWD floated tenders on Monday for constructing the fourth and fifth buildings under the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) project, which will replace these historic structures. This phase of the Central Vista redevelopment carries an estimated cost of ₹3,006 crore, marking a significant milestone in transforming India’s administrative architecture.
The Central Vista redevelopment project involves constructing two modern secretariat blocks, each featuring a basement, ground floor, and seven additional floors. The comprehensive scope includes associated civil, electrical, mechanical, and landscaping works, according to the tender documents. This demolition and reconstruction initiative represents a crucial component of the broader Central Vista redevelopment strategy.
Comprehensive Scope of Central Vista Redevelopment
The Central Vista redevelopment plan encompasses an ambitious vision of constructing 10 new Common Central Secretariat buildings, along with two executive enclaves dedicated to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Prime Minister’s residence. This massive infrastructure overhaul aims to modernize India’s administrative infrastructure and create more efficient working spaces for government ministries and departments.
Several landmark projects have already been completed under the Central Vista redevelopment initiative. The new Parliament building, which became operational and hosted its first session in September 2023, stands as a testament to the project’s scale and ambition. The redevelopment of Raj Path, rechristened as Kartavya Path in September 2022, and the vice-president’s enclave completed in April 2024 are integral parts of the same Central Vista redevelopment blueprint.
Historical Significance of Buildings Being Demolished
Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan represent important chapters in India’s post-Independence administrative expansion. These structures were built during the 1950s and 1960s to accommodate the growing administrative machinery of the Union government, extending beyond the capacity of the original North and South blocks. The Central Vista redevelopment project acknowledges this historical significance while prioritizing modern infrastructure needs.
Shastri Bhawan was named in honor of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, serving as a memorial to his legacy. Krishi Bhawan became the long-standing headquarters of the Union Ministry of Agriculture, playing a crucial role in India’s agricultural policy formulation for decades. Their demolition under the Central Vista redevelopment marks the end of an era in Delhi’s administrative landscape.
Ministry Relocations and Kartavya Bhawan 2
In preparation for the Central Vista redevelopment demolition phase, government ministries housed in these buildings have been relocated. Over the past week, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, previously located at Shastri Bhawan, received allocated space in Kartavya Bhawan 2, also designated as CCS Building 2. This relocation represents the careful planning underlying the Central Vista redevelopment execution.
Kartavya Bhawan 2 now houses multiple ministries as part of the Central Vista redevelopment consolidation strategy. Along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, it accommodates the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, a section of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the Ministry of Education. This centralization aims to improve inter-ministerial coordination and administrative efficiency.
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Project Timeline and Execution Strategy
The tender specifications for this phase of the Central Vista redevelopment outline a comprehensive 24-month timeline for execution. The schedule allocates three months for planning, obtaining necessary clearances, and systematic dismantling of the existing structures. The subsequent 21 months are dedicated to construction activities. Following completion, the contractor will be responsible for operating and maintaining the new buildings for an additional five years, ensuring the Central Vista redevelopment delivers sustainable infrastructure.
The Central Vista redevelopment project will be executed under an engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) mode. This approach makes the contractor responsible for all phases of work, from initial planning through final construction, streamlining accountability and project management for this critical phase of the Central Vista redevelopment.
Security Protocols and Location Details
Given the sensitive nature of government operations, the CPWD has classified the site as a high-security zone within the Central Vista redevelopment framework. Stringent access control measures have been specified for workers, materials, and equipment during the execution phase, ensuring security is not compromised throughout the construction process.
The two buildings stand adjacent to one another along Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, forming part of the older Central Secretariat cluster that also includes Nirman Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan. Their strategic location within the Central Vista redevelopment zone makes them prime candidates for modernization, contributing to the overall transformation of India’s power corridor.
Future Vision of Central Vista Redevelopment
The redevelopment project represents more than just physical reconstruction; it symbolizes India’s commitment to creating world-class administrative infrastructure. Upon completion, the project will provide modern, efficient workspaces equipped with contemporary amenities, supporting the government’s administrative functions for generations to come.
