New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially handed over 39.5 acres of land at Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi to the Land and Development Office (L&DO). The move is part of the Central Government’s wider effort to reclaim important government-owned land around Lok Kalyan Marg. The land previously housed an IAF sports complex with a golf course, swimming pool and other facilities.
Details of IAF Land Handover
The land transfer was formally completed on November 5, 2026. The property is located on Lok Kalyan Marg, close to the official residence of the Prime Minister.
Read also: This Missile Can Destroy Lahore from New Delhi
The transferred area was being used by the Indian Air Force as a sports complex. It included a golf course, swimming pool, badminton courts and other recreational facilities.
The handover was completed on an “as is where is” basis. This means the L&DO has taken possession of the property in its existing condition.
IAF Land Handover: Joint Survey To Confirm Land Boundaries
The L&DO had initially requested around 39.9 acres of land. However, the Indian Air Force has transferred 39.5 acres.
A joint survey will now be conducted by the Defence Estates Office, Indian Air Force and L&DO.
The main purpose of this survey is to confirm the exact boundaries of the transferred land and check whether there are any differences in the recorded measurements.
The survey will help all three agencies establish the final land area and complete the necessary administrative process.
Why Is The Government Reclaiming Land Around Lok Kalyan Marg
The transfer is part of a wider government initiative to reclaim important government-owned properties in the Lutyens’ Delhi area.
Over the past few months, the government has taken steps to recover several major land parcels around Lok Kalyan Marg. These include:
- Delhi Race Club: Around 53 acres of land were taken back in August 2026.
- Jaipur Polo Ground: Around 15.2 acres were taken over from the India Polo Association.
- Delhi Gymkhana Club: The government has also initiated proceedings to reclaim its approximately 27.3-acre property.
The government has cited public purposes, better land management and defence infrastructure requirements in connection with its wider land-reclamation efforts.
Why Was The IAF Sports Complex Important
The Race Course Air Force Station sports complex was an important recreational facility for serving and retired Air Force personnel.
It provided facilities such as golf, swimming, badminton and other sporting activities.
The complex was also associated with the traditional golfing-out ceremony organised for an outgoing Air Chief. However, its closure affected this long-standing tradition.
Former Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh reportedly raised concerns about retaining the facility before his retirement on October 31, 2026.
He wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in October, requesting that the land remain with the Indian Air Force.
The concerns were linked to the station’s importance in supporting Air Headquarters and providing facilities to serving and retired personnel.
Read also: DRDO to Lead Semiconductor and Next-Gen Chips Session at ESTIC 2026 in New Delhi
