New Delhi: In a landmark move under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has initiated the process to demolish two iconic government buildings in Delhi — Krishi Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan. The government plans to replace them with the modern Common Central Secretariat (CCS) Buildings 4 and 5 at an estimated cost exceeding ₹3,006 crore.
CPWD Floats Tender for New Buildings
On Monday, CPWD floated tenders for the construction of the new buildings at the site of Krishi Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan. According to tender documents, the construction timeline is set for two years, with an additional five-year operation and maintenance period included in the contract.
The new buildings will be eight-story pre-engineered steel structures (PEB), comprising a basement, ground floor, seven upper floors, and terraces. These modern structures will replace the seven-story Krishi Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan (wings A to G), which were built in the 1950s and 60s to accommodate the expanding administrative machinery of the Union government beyond the North and South Blocks.
Purpose Behind the Redevelopment
Krishi Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan have been central to India’s administrative functions for decades. Krishi Bhawan currently houses ministries such as Agriculture, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, while Shastri Bhawan serves as headquarters for ministries like Information and Broadcasting, Education, and Culture.
With the redevelopment, several of these ministries are being relocated to recently inaugurated Common Secretariat Buildings 1, 2, and 3 (Kartavya Bhawans), enabling smooth transition and modernization of office infrastructure.
Ministry Allocations in New CCS Buildings
The new CCS Buildings 4 and 5 will be designed to accommodate multiple ministries with state-of-the-art facilities. Room allocations as per official sources include:
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: 120 rooms
- Ministry of Culture: 45 rooms
- Ministry of Law and Justice: 110 rooms
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: 30 rooms
- Ministry of Agriculture: 12 rooms
- Ministry of Education: 50+ rooms
- Ministry of Defence: approximately 225 rooms
CBI: 12 rooms on ground and first floors
In addition, offices of the Ministry of Defence and the CBI, currently located in the South and North Blocks, will also be relocated to the new CCS buildings at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road–Man Singh Road intersection. Officials have confirmed that representatives from all concerned ministries have inspected their new offices, and the relocation is expected to be completed by mid-February, coinciding with the budget session recess.
Historical Significance of Krishi Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan
Built during the post-independence expansion phase of Delhi’s Central Secretariat, these buildings served as pillars of India’s administrative framework. Over the decades, they witnessed the evolution of policymaking and governance in sectors ranging from agriculture to culture. Their demolition marks the end of an era, paving the way for modern, sustainable, and technologically equipped office spaces for government operations.
Part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project
The demolition and construction form a key part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, aimed at modernizing Delhi’s administrative buildings, improving efficiency, and creating contemporary infrastructure while maintaining sustainability. The new CCS buildings will feature advanced construction techniques and modern facilities, reflecting the government’s vision of world-class administrative infrastructure.
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