Central Vista Redevelopment Project
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project is a government-led urban renewal effort in New Delhi, India, initiated in September 2019 to overhaul the colonial-era administrative precinct known as the Central Vista, featuring a new triangular Parliament building inaugurated in May 2023, ten modern common central secretariat structures to consolidate over fifty ministries, an executive enclave with upgraded Prime Minister's Office facilities, and refurbished public avenues with expanded green spaces.[1][2][3] Spanning an estimated ₹20,000 crore in costs and projected for completion by 2026, the project addresses the functional obsolescence of aging infrastructure housing India's governance apparatus, aiming to boost administrative efficiency through purpose-built facilities accommodating up to 54,000 personnel, integrated conferencing, and energy-efficient designs such as the Kartavya Bhawan—which saves 30% on energy and generates over 5 lakh units of electricity annually via solar panels—inaugurated in August 2025.[3][4][2] Key achievements include the redevelopment of the 3-kilometer Kartavya Path avenue into a pedestrian-friendly zone with restored gardens and canals, planting of 40,573 trees without felling any existing ones, and generation of millions of man-days of employment through domestic construction.[5][2][1] The initiative restores the area's original Lutyens-era symmetry while incorporating contemporary elements like a National Biodiversity Arboretum and relocated cultural institutions such as the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, prioritizing heritage preservation alongside ecological enhancements and public accessibility.[5][1] Despite legal challenges questioning environmental clearances and procurement amid the COVID-19 onset—claims rebutted by officials noting pre-pandemic planning and court approvals—the project has advanced with phased completions, underscoring a commitment to infrastructural resilience over short-term fiscal reallocations.[3][2][3]Historical Context and Origins
Original Design and Legacy
The Central Vista in New Delhi was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker as the administrative core of the relocated imperial capital, following King George V's announcement in December 1911 to shift governance from Kolkata to Delhi.[6] Envisaged for efficient government operations, the layout emphasizes a grand east-west axis—originally Kingsway, later Rajpath—anchored by Raisina Hill, with geometric precision incorporating hexagons and triangles radiating from focal points like the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan).[7] [6] Construction spanned from 1912 to 1931, utilizing red and beige sandstone; key features include expansive civic gardens, the India Gate war memorial unveiled in 1931, North and South Block secretariats completed in 1927, and Parliament House, whose foundation was laid in 1913 and structure finished in 1927 after six years of building.[6] [7] The design blends Edwardian classical and Baroque elements with Indian motifs, such as chhatris, jalis, chhajjas, and a dome inspired by the Sanchi Stupa, creating a hybrid style that symbolized imperial authority while nodding to local traditions.[6] [7] This monumental ensemble, one of the largest urban planning projects of its era, was inaugurated in 1931 as the British Raj's power center.[6] Post-independence in 1947, the Central Vista persisted as India's primary governmental precinct, with structures repurposed for republican use—Rashtrapati Bhavan as the president's residence and Parliament House for legislative sessions—maintaining its axial symmetry and administrative primacy despite ad hoc additions that altered the original vision.[6] [7] Its legacy lies in embodying enduring principles of centralized governance through spatial hierarchy and scale, reflecting both colonial ambition and India's adaptive continuity, though the precinct's heritage status has been debated amid preservation challenges.[8]Post-Independence Evolution
Following India's independence on August 15, 1947, the Central Vista's colonial-era structures were repurposed for the new democratic republic: the Viceroy's House became Rashtrapati Bhavan as the president's residence, the Council House was renamed Sansad Bhavan and continued as the seat of Parliament, and the North and South Blocks served as the primary offices for the central ministries.[9][10] Key avenues were renamed to reflect national identity, with King's Way becoming Rajpath (later Kartavya Path) and Queen's Way becoming Janpath, while Vijay Chowk replaced the earlier Prince's Park designation and hosted inaugural independence celebrations.[9][11] The Jawaharlal Nehru-led government preserved the existing Lutyens-Baker architectural framework without major alterations, prioritizing symbolic continuity amid the transition to self-rule, though Nehru simultaneously pursued modernist projects elsewhere, such as Chandigarh.[12] Core heritage elements, including the National Archives building and India Gate (enhanced post-1947 with the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial flame in 1971), received Grade-1 heritage protection under Delhi's conservation guidelines, maintaining the Vista's axial symmetry and ceremonial landscape for official and public use.[9] Over decades, the lawns and open spaces evolved into venues for mass gatherings and protests, underscoring their adaptation as democratic public realms.[9] To accommodate the expanding bureaucracy, several ministry and secretariat buildings were constructed piecemeal from the 1950s onward, including Udyog Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan (completed 1974), Rail Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, and Vigyan Bhavan (1980s), often reaching 5-7 stories in height and deviating from the original low-rise, symmetrical design.[10] Additional cultural and functional structures followed, such as the National Museum (opened 1960), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (established 1985), and the National War Memorial (unveiled 2019 adjacent to India Gate).[9] These post-independence additions, while addressing immediate administrative needs, lacked an integrated architectural vision, resulting in encroachments that disrupted the Vista's original spatial order and green expanses.[13][14]Emerging Need for Redevelopment
The Central Vista, originally designed in the early 20th century by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, comprises colonial-era structures that were not intended to accommodate the expansive bicameral parliamentary system and bureaucratic apparatus of modern India. Buildings such as the Parliament House, constructed in 1927, were planned for a unicameral legislature serving British colonial administration, leading to chronic mismatches with post-independence governance requirements, including insufficient space for expanded membership and operations.[3] By the 2010s, these heritage structures exhibited signs of deterioration, with many lacking documentation for seismic assessments in Delhi's upgraded Zone IV (potentially Zone V) seismic classification, rendering them uncertified for earthquake resistance.[3] Key infrastructural deficiencies included outdated electrical, mechanical, and security systems, alongside inadequate fire safety measures and evacuation protocols, which posed significant risks in high-occupancy environments. Space constraints were acute, as ministries proliferated post-independence, forcing many to relocate outside the Vista to rented or makeshift accommodations, resulting in fragmented administration and reduced operational efficiency. The existing Parliament, for instance, featured overcapacity in the Lok Sabha (designed for 552 seats but with temporary, unsafe extensions) and Central Hall (seating only 436), while lacking sufficient offices and meeting rooms for lawmakers and staff.[3][15] These issues compounded with broader urban pressures, such as stressed public gardens, disrupted pedestrian access, and vehicular traffic bottlenecks along the avenue, undermining its functionality as a ceremonial and administrative hub.[5] The push for redevelopment gained momentum around 2019-2020, driven by the recognition that piecemeal renovations could not address systemic inadequacies, including the need to house approximately 54,000 personnel in centralized, modern facilities to enhance inter-ministerial coordination and decision-making speed. Official assessments highlighted the imperative for state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet contemporary demands for IT integration, accessibility, and sustainability, while anticipating parliamentary expansion following the 2026 delimitation exercise. This necessity was framed not merely as maintenance but as a strategic upgrade to align the Vista with India's growing administrative scale, replacing obsolete buildings without compromising heritage symmetry or green cover.[4][16][15]Planning and Design
Initiation and Vision
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project was conceived in September 2019 by the Government of India to address longstanding deficiencies in the administrative infrastructure of New Delhi's central precinct, originally laid out in the early 20th century by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.[3] This initiative, spearheaded under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, marked the formal start of planning for a comprehensive master plan overhaul, predating the COVID-19 pandemic by several months and emphasizing proactive infrastructure renewal rather than reactive measures.[3] The project's genesis stemmed from assessments of aging colonial-era buildings, fragmented office spaces, and inadequate facilities for a modern legislature exceeding 800 members, prompting a shift toward consolidated, secure governance hubs.[5] The core vision of the project is to restore the Central Vista's original geometric symmetry and spatial order while transforming it into a resilient, future-ready administrative and public domain reflective of India's evolving national identity.[5] [1] It prioritizes the creation of specialized enclaves—such as a legislative area with a new Parliament House, an executive zone featuring a Common Central Secretariat for ten ministries, and cultural extensions including museums and archives—to streamline operations, reduce duplication, and incorporate sustainable technologies for energy efficiency and disaster resilience.[5] This approach draws on first-principles evaluation of functional needs, aiming to replace outdated structures with designs that integrate heritage retrofitting alongside modern amenities, thereby enhancing governance efficacy without compromising the site's historical layout.[1] Aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework, the vision underscores self-reliance through indigenous employment generation—projecting millions of man-days of work—and environmental enhancement, including the planting of over 36,000 trees to expand green cover while preserving all existing vegetation.[1] [3] Public spaces like the refurbished Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) and extensions such as the New India Garden are envisioned to democratize access, hosting national events and fostering civic engagement, in contrast to the area's prior vehicular dominance.[5] Overall, the project positions the Central Vista as a symbol of efficient, citizen-centric administration, with an estimated investment of ₹20,000 crore allocated across phased developments targeted for completion by 2026.[1] [3]Architectural Competition and Selection
The architectural consultant for the Central Vista Redevelopment Project was selected via a two-stage online bidding process employing the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method, administered by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), with 80% weightage given to technical quality and 20% to financial cost.[3][17] A public notice inviting bids from qualified design and planning firms was issued on September 2, 2019, targeting established entities capable of handling comprehensive urban design, architectural planning, and associated services for the project's master plan.[18][3] A pre-bid meeting occurred on September 12, 2019, involving representatives from 18 firms to clarify project requirements, followed by submission of technical and financial bids from six firms by the September 30, 2019, deadline.[3] Technical evaluations were conducted by a seven-member jury, chaired by the Director of the School of Planning and Architecture, on October 11, 2019, qualifying four firms for financial bid scrutiny based on criteria including design innovation, feasibility, and alignment with heritage preservation goals.[3] M/s HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited, an Ahmedabad-based firm led by architect Bimal Patel, achieved the highest combined score and was appointed as the lead consultant on October 18, 2019, under a consultancy contract valued at approximately Rs 229 crore.[3][19][20] HCP's proposal emphasized continuity with Edwin Lutyens' original axial layout while incorporating modern functionalities, such as phased redevelopment to minimize disruptions.[21] The process, while transparent per government standards, drew calls from some architects for a fully open international design competition to broaden participation beyond pre-qualified bidders.[22][23]Master Plan Details
The Central Vista Redevelopment Master Plan outlines a comprehensive blueprint for revitalizing the administrative core of New Delhi, spanning the 3-kilometer axis from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, with extensions into adjacent green areas totaling over 75 acres for new gardens and arboreta.[5] It aims to consolidate fragmented government operations into efficient, proximate facilities, including 10 identical buildings for the Common Central Secretariat to house 51 ministries, thereby reducing logistical inefficiencies in personnel, document, and goods movement.[16] Core design principles prioritize restoring the original symmetry, axial geometry, and processional order envisioned by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, while preserving heritage structures through adaptive reuse rather than demolition.[24][5] Sustainability is integrated via mandates for no net tree loss—accomplished by transplanting 3,230 existing trees to an eco-park and planting 40,573 new ones across the city—along with green building standards, centralized cooling systems, recycled water usage (5,209 kiloliters per day), and enhanced public transport to minimize vehicular dependency.[16] Pedestrian-friendly enhancements, such as widened pathways and event-ready plazas, further emphasize public accessibility without disrupting ceremonial functions.[5] Major components include the refurbished Kartavya Path, a tree-lined boulevard with restored canals, lawns, and rotational planting schemes to support tourism and national events.[5] The Executive Enclave features new offices for the Prime Minister's Office on plots 36 and 38, alongside the Cabinet Secretariat, National Security Council Secretariat, and a conferencing hall positioned behind South Block for streamlined decision-making.[5] Cultural facilities are upgraded with a purpose-built Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) at the Jamnagar House site, incorporating theaters seating 400, 1,200, and 2,000, while North and South Blocks (80,000 square meters total) are retrofitted into a National Museum complex to democratize access to artifacts.[16][5] Additional elements encompass a new National Archives building adjacent to its historic counterpart for advanced preservation and display, plus relocated official residences for the Prime Minister (blocks A and B) and Vice President (blocks L and M) to optimize security and proximity to legislative hubs.[5] Green expansions feature the 25-acre New India Garden along the Yamuna River, planting 2,022 trees from 75 species over a 2.24-kilometer extension, and a 50-acre National Biodiversity Arboretum in the President's Estate, dedicated to conserving 1,000 endangered plant species across a 0.93-kilometer stretch.[5] These interventions collectively aim to elevate governance infrastructure while amplifying the area's role as a public and heritage precinct.[16]Core Components and Features
New Parliament House
The New Parliament House is the primary legislative structure developed under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, located adjacent to the existing Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan) on a 2.5-hectare triangular plot in New Delhi. Designed by architect Bimal Patel of HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited, the building was selected through a two-stage quality-cum-cost-based selection (QCBS) tender process advertised on 2 September 2019, emphasizing integration with Indian heritage motifs such as the lotus and chakra while accommodating modern parliamentary needs.[1][25][26] Construction commenced after the contract was awarded to Tata Projects Limited, with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 February 2020; the main structure was completed by August 2022. The tendered cost stood at ₹862 crore, though the final expenditure reached approximately ₹971 crore, incorporating advanced features like hybrid seating arrangements, integrated audio-visual systems, and energy-efficient designs.[3][27][28] The building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on 28 May 2023, with its first official parliamentary session—the Special Session of Parliament—held from 18 to 21 September 2023.[29][30] Key specifications include a four-story structure with a gross leasable area exceeding 65,000 square meters, providing expanded seating: the Lok Sabha chamber holds 888 members (expandable to 1,272 in future configurations), and the Rajya Sabha chamber accommodates 384 members, addressing overcrowding in the 1927-era original building designed for 400-500 legislators.[29][31][32] The interiors feature thematic halls—the Lok Sabha evoking the "wheel of time" (Sankhya) and Rajya Sabha the lotus (purity and progress)—along with committee rooms, a constitutional museum, a library, and facilities for 900 staff, all equipped with fire-resistant materials and seismic-resistant engineering.[33][34] Sustainability measures include on-site sewage treatment plants utilizing recycled water for landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels contributing to energy needs; no trees were felled during construction, with 404 transplanted and over 4,000 planted as compensatory afforestation.[1] The project has generated significant employment, logging over 5.4 million man-days by mid-construction phases. While some opposition figures and media outlets alleged excessive costs and ecological disruption, official records from the Central Vista authority refute these, confirming adherence to environmental clearances under the Forest Conservation Act and budgetary tenders without overruns beyond approved escalations.[3][35] The new house now serves as the primary venue for sessions, with the heritage original building repurposed for ceremonial and archival use.[29]Kartavya Path Transformation
The Kartavya Path, formerly Rajpath, constitutes the 3-kilometer central ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi, extending from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Renamed on September 8, 2022, to signify a shift toward public accessibility and civic duty—"kartavya" meaning duty in Hindi—the transformation reorients the avenue from a restricted colonial-era processional route to an open, people-centric urban green space.[36][37] Key design modifications include upgraded landscaping with expansive lawns, pedestrian walkways, refurbished water canals, and augmented greenery, achieving increased tree cover without felling any existing trees. Specifically, 48 trees were transplanted (25 completed by mid-project), complemented by 1,753 new trees planted onsite and 2,000 additional ones in the surrounding Central Vista area. Infrastructure enhancements feature four 8-meter-wide pedestrian underpasses—at Janpath and C-Hexagon junctions—to segregate foot traffic from vehicles, alongside new amenity blocks, dedicated vending kiosks, improved signage, LED lighting, and CCTV for safety and usability. These elements restore the original Lutyens-era symmetry while prioritizing public interaction and heritage preservation.[1][36][38][39] Tendered at ₹477 crore, the Central Vista Avenue redevelopment—encompassing Kartavya Path—was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 8, 2022, following Phase 1 completion with expenditures aligning closely to the sanctioned amount. The project employed over 8,600 onsite workers and integrates sustainable features like enhanced parking and road safety measures, transforming the avenue into a vibrant public artery. Official government documentation confirms environmental compliance, countering early critiques on tree removal through verified transplantation and afforestation data.[3][36][1]Common Central Secretariat
The Common Central Secretariat (CCS) forms a central element of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, comprising ten interconnected office blocks intended to centralize operations for India's 51 central government ministries, which are currently dispersed across aging structures in New Delhi.[4] These buildings, situated along Kartavya Path between the India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, aim to replace inefficient, colonial-era facilities like Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan with modern infrastructure designed for enhanced administrative coordination, reduced commuting for officials, and improved public access.[4] [10] The complex includes a dedicated Central Conference Centre to facilitate inter-ministerial meetings and events.[4] Construction of the CCS blocks is managed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), with designs emphasizing sustainability features such as net-zero energy standards, efficient vertical circulation via high-speed elevators, and integrated public interfaces to minimize environmental impact while accommodating up to 55,000 personnel.[40] [41] As of August 2025, blocks CCS-1, CCS-2, and CCS-10 were under active construction, with piling and foundation work advanced on several others.[10] The first completed structure, Kartavya Bhavan (designated as part of the initial CCS phase), was inaugurated on August 5, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi; it spans approximately 2.2 lakh square meters and incorporates advanced security systems, smart building technologies, and workspaces for key ministries including Home Affairs and Finance during transitional phases.[42] [43] To enable full occupancy, several ministries have been temporarily relocated to interim facilities outside the core Central Vista area, such as Aerocity, with plans for phased returns starting in 2026.[44] The government has targeted completion of all ten blocks within 22 months from August 2025, projecting mid-2027 handover, though earlier estimates for initial phases (originally March 2024) faced delays due to tender processes, site preparation, and supply chain factors.[43] [45] Specific cost allocations for the CCS fall under the broader Central Vista budget exceeding ₹20,000 crore, with contracts awarded to firms like Tata Projects for foundational works estimated at around ₹970 crore for early blocks.[46] This consolidation is projected to streamline governance by reducing inter-office travel distances by up to 80% for ministry officials, based on pre-project spatial analyses.[4]Executive Enclave Developments
The Executive Enclave forms a key component of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project's Phase II, designed to consolidate and modernize executive functions through secure, purpose-built facilities. It encompasses offices and residences for top executive entities, including the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Cabinet Secretariat, and National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), located behind the North and South Blocks to enhance proximity to legislative and administrative hubs.[5][47] This development addresses longstanding logistical inefficiencies by centralizing operations, reducing infrastructure redundancies, and improving traffic management around key government sites.[24] Key structures include a new PMO office on plots 36 and 38 behind South Block, following the relocation of existing hutments, equipped with advanced conferencing facilities akin to those at Hyderabad House.[5] The enclave features a dedicated complex named Seva Teerth (or Sewa Tirath-1 in Executive Enclave-I, adjacent to Vayu Bhawan), housing the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, and Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA).[48][49] Residential components comprise secure facilities for the Prime Minister south of South Block and the Vice President north of North Block, incorporating necessary amenities for operational continuity.[47] Security protocols were developed in consultation with the Special Protection Group, emphasizing fortified access and surveillance to mitigate risks in high-threat environments.[5] Construction advanced through 2025, with the Executive Enclave prioritized for early occupancy to enable relocation of core functions from aging colonial-era buildings like South Block.[10] The PMO's shift to the new enclave, marking the first such move since India's independence in 1947, was slated for late 2025, potentially around Diwali, while the Cabinet Secretariat planned a transition during Navratri.[49][50] The Prime Minister's residential complex is projected for completion by the end of 2027, aligning with the broader project's phased rollout to minimize disruptions.[51] These developments prioritize functional efficiency over ornamental excess, integrating sustainable elements consistent with the master plan's environmental guidelines.[47]Cultural and Ancillary Structures
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project incorporates several cultural structures aimed at preserving and presenting India's heritage through modern museum facilities. The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, envisioned as the world's largest museum, will occupy the retrofitted North and South Blocks, spanning approximately 117,000 square meters with 950 rooms and 30 immersive galleries displaying over 25,000 artifacts in chronological and thematic sequences.[52][53][54] This facility, developed in collaboration with France, replaces the existing National Museum by relocating its collections while adapting the heritage blocks for public access, including a proposed glass dome inspired by the Louvre for enhanced visitor experience.[55][56] The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) will be relocated from its Janpath site, which faces demolition for new office construction, to a purpose-built facility on the Jamnagar House plot, featuring modern infrastructure for exhibitions, concerts, and public gatherings; interim operations continue at the Janpath Hotel.[5][57] The National Archives will receive a new state-of-the-art facility adjacent to its retrofitted historic building, enabling advanced preservation and public displays.[5] These adaptations prioritize heritage conservation amid administrative relocation, with ministries shifting from North and South Blocks to facilitate museum conversion by late 2025 or early 2026.[58][59] Ancillary structures support executive functions and include new residences integrated into the master plan. The Vice President's Enclave, comprising a larger residence, office, and amenities at Blocks L and M (near 108 Church Road), was completed in January 2024, with the secretariat initiating relocation from the old site to enable further project works.[5][60] The Prime Minister's Residence, planned for Blocks A and B with associated Special Protection Group housing at Plot 30, enhances security and functionality while relocating from Lok Kalyan Marg outside the Vista.[5] These developments, cleared environmentally in 2021, form part of the Executive Enclave to streamline governance without disrupting core heritage zones.[61]Implementation and Progress
Tendering and Contracts
The tendering process for the Central Vista Redevelopment Project is overseen by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), employing competitive bidding mechanisms such as two-stage online tenders and Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) for consultancy services. Construction contracts are typically awarded to the lowest qualified bidder following pre-qualification and technical evaluation, with costs often finalized below initial estimates to ensure fiscal efficiency.[3] Major contracts have been allocated as follows:| Component | Contractor | Award Date | Tendered Cost (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Parliament Building | Tata Projects Limited | September 2020 | 862 |
| Central Vista Avenue (Kartavya Path) | Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd. | January 2021 | 477 |
| Common Central Secretariat (first three buildings) | Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | October 2021 | ~3,141 (3.47% below estimate) |
| Executive Enclave | Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | November 2022 | 1,189 (10.44% below estimate) |
| Common Central Secretariat (buildings 6 & 7) | Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | May 2025 | 2,500–5,000 (large order range) |
Construction Phases and Milestones
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project's construction has unfolded in phased increments, prioritizing high-visibility public and legislative infrastructure before administrative consolidation. Initial efforts under Phase I targeted the New Parliament Building and the transformation of Central Vista Avenue into Kartavya Path, with foundational work commencing after Supreme Court approval on January 5, 2021.[1] The New Parliament's foundation stone was laid on December 10, 2020, with structural completion achieved by 2023, enabling its inauguration on May 28, 2023.[69] [32] Kartavya Path redevelopment advanced concurrently, reaching substantial completion by 2022, incorporating enhanced public spaces, lawns, and pathways spanning 3 kilometers from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.[69] [10] The Vice President's Enclave was also finalized during this phase, marking early integration of executive facilities.[10] Subsequent phases emphasize the Common Central Secretariat (CCS), a cluster of ten interconnected buildings designed to centralize over 50 ministries, with construction leveraging sites of existing structures like Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan. As of August 2025, work on CCS buildings 1, 2, and 10 remains active, alongside the Executive Enclave.[10] CCS-1, designated Kartavya Bhavan, achieved operational readiness and was inaugurated on August 7, 2025, facilitating initial ministerial relocations.[42] CCS-3 supported a major shift of 85-90% of the Home Ministry's operations by early August 2025, while efforts target CCS-2 completion by late October 2025. [70] CCS-6 and CCS-7 are slated for October 2026, with the full CCS complex projected for mid-2027 completion to accommodate phased ministry transitions.[71] [43] Key enablers include on-site deployment of over 8,600 workers and utilization of materials such as 74,033 metric tons of steel and 204,403 metric tons of cement as of mid-2025, generating millions of man-days of employment.[1] Despite initial Phase I targets for 2026 overall project completion, extensions for CCS reflect adaptive sequencing amid site constraints and procurement, with nine central ministries allocated spaces in early CCS structures by June 2025.[72] [44]Timeline and Current Status
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project was conceived in September 2019 as an initiative to modernize India's central administrative area in New Delhi.[1] Preliminary discussions and proposals for the redevelopment began as early as April 2019, leading to the announcement of an international architectural design competition.[73] The project received Supreme Court approval on January 5, 2021, following environmental clearances granted on May 2, 2021, after extensive legal scrutiny.[1] Construction on key components commenced shortly thereafter, with the foundation stone for the New Parliament Building laid on December 10, 2020.[73] The New Parliament was inaugurated on May 28, 2023, marking the completion of the legislative component ahead of initial targets.[74] Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue—renamed Kartavya Path—was substantially finished by July 18, 2022, enhancing public access and landscaping along the 3 km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.[75] Progress on the Common Central Secretariat advanced with the inauguration of Kartavya Bhawan, the first of ten planned buildings, on August 6, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[10] This structure accommodates ministries such as Housing and Urban Affairs and Culture, facilitating the relocation of officials from aging colonial-era blocks.[42] Subsequent phases include the anticipated completion of Common Central Secretariat buildings 2 and 3 by September 2025, building 10 by April 2026, and buildings 6 and 7 by October 2026.[71] As of late 2024, approximately 35% of the overall project was complete, encompassing the New Parliament, Kartavya Path, and Vice-President's Enclave.[76] The Cabinet Secretariat is scheduled to shift to the new Executive Enclave during Navratri in October 2025, with the Prime Minister's Residential Complex targeted for late 2027, delayed from an earlier 2024 estimate due to construction complexities.[50][51] The full project, including all secretariat blocks and ancillary structures, is projected for completion by June 2027, extending beyond the original 2026 horizon to ensure structural integrity and operational integration.[42][77]| Key Milestone | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Conception and Proposals | April–September 2019 | Initial planning and design competition announcement.[73][1] |
| Supreme Court Approval | January 5, 2021 | Clearance for construction after legal challenges.[1] |
| New Parliament Foundation | December 10, 2020 | Start of legislative building works.[73] |
| New Parliament Inauguration | May 28, 2023 | Completion and operational handover.[74] |
| Kartavya Path Completion | July 18, 2022 | Avenue revamp for enhanced public and ceremonial use.[75] |
| Kartavya Bhawan Inauguration | August 6, 2025 | First Common Central Secretariat building operational.[10] |
| Projected Full Completion | June 2027 | Consolidation of all executive and secretariat facilities.[42] |
Financial and Economic Dimensions
Cost Estimates and Allocations
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project's overall cost is not a fixed sum for a monolithic endeavor but a gross rough estimate of ₹20,000 crore encompassing all planned developments and redevelopments, projected to span approximately six years through 2026.[3] This aggregate figure accounts for diverse components, including the new Parliament building, Central Vista Avenue (renamed Kartavya Path), ten blocks of the Common Central Secretariat for ministry offices, new Prime Minister and Vice President residences, a central conference center, National Archives expansions, Indian National Gallery of Modern Art relocation, security infrastructure, and hutment clearances across nearly 90 acres.[3] Detailed project reports and tenders remain pending for most elements beyond initial phases, rendering precise per-component costs provisional until competitive bidding concludes.[3] Tendered costs for early awarded contracts include ₹862 crore for the new Parliament building, secured by Tata Projects Limited in September 2020 after quality-cum-cost-based selection, and ₹477 crore for Central Vista Avenue redevelopment.[3][78] Expenditures on these two components totaled ₹195 crore by March 2021, with a fiscal year 2021-22 budget provision of ₹790 crore.[3] For the Common Central Secretariat, the estimated cost for constructing three office blocks was revised upward to ₹3,254 crore from an initial ₹3,408 crore, reflecting adjustments for scope and market conditions, with Larsen & Toubro selected as the lowest bidder in October 2021.[79] Annual budgetary allocations have supported phased implementation under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. In fiscal year 2021-22, ₹1,289 crore was designated for overall Central Vista works, emphasizing quality-cum-cost procurement to control expenses.[80] This rose to ₹2,600.99 crore in 2022-23 for non-residential office constructions, incorporating Parliament and Supreme Court adjuncts.[81] Cumulative spending reached over ₹1,200 crore by December 2021, with further disbursements tied to milestones amid reported escalations from inflationary pressures, elevated GST rates post-2017 implementation, and structural refinements as of early 2025.[82][83]| Component | Cost (₹ crore) | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|
| New Parliament Building | 862 | Tendered amount; awarded September 2020.[3] |
| Central Vista Avenue | 477 | Tendered amount for redevelopment.[3] |
| Three Common Secretariat Blocks | 3,254 | Revised estimate; L&T lowest bidder, October 2021.[79] |