Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Kartavya Bhawan-3, situated on the newly developed Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This is part of the ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project, which aims to modernize the infrastructure for various government offices. Kartavya Bhawan-3 is the first of many buildings planned under this project. It marks a significant milestone, with two more buildings—Kartavya Bhawan-1 and Kartavya Bhawan-2—also nearing completion. These developments represent the government’s vision for modernizing the workspaces for ministries and departments, creating a more efficient, collaborative, and sustainable environment.

Kartavya Bhawan-3: A New Era for Government Infrastructure

Kartavya Bhawan-3 is a state-of-the-art office complex spread over 1.5 lakh square meters. The building consists of two basements and seven floors. Currently, several key ministries operate from older buildings like Shastri Bhawan, Agriculture Bhawan, and Industry Bhawan, which were constructed between the 1950s and 1970s. These old buildings have become outdated and are no longer able to meet the needs of modern governance. The new Kartavya Bhawan-3 is set to bring together multiple ministries under one roof, enhancing coordination, innovation, and collaboration. Among the ministries and departments that will shift to Kartavya Bhawan are the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development, MSME Ministry, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA).

The inauguration of this new building is a significant step towards the completion of the broader Central Vista project, which aims to provide modernized office spaces for central government ministries. The completion of this project is expected to lead to substantial cost savings for the government, especially in terms of the approximately ₹1500 crore spent annually on rent for government buildings.

Key Features of Kartavya Bhawan-3

Kartavya Bhawan-3 is designed with cutting-edge technology, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. It includes advanced features like smart entry systems, electronic surveillance, solar panels, solar water heaters, and EV (electric vehicle) charging stations. The building also promotes eco-friendly construction practices, with provisions for wastewater recycling and solid waste management. Furthermore, the building is designed to minimize energy consumption by 30%. LED lights, sensors to turn off lights when not needed, energy-efficient lifts, and an advanced system to manage electricity usage are some of the green initiatives in place.

One of the most unique aspects of Kartavya Bhawan-3 is its noise reduction and climate control. Special glass windows have been installed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building while minimizing external noise pollution. The building aims to provide a conducive working environment for government officials and staff while adhering to the highest environmental standards.

Upcoming Buildings Under Central Vista Project

Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently shared that Kartavya Bhawan-1 and Kartavya Bhawan-2 will be ready for use by next month. Both of these buildings are in the final stages of construction. Additionally, seven more buildings under the Central Vista redevelopment plan are scheduled for completion by April 2027. The project is estimated to cost around ₹1000 crore. These new buildings will incorporate the latest technology, security measures, and eco-friendly designs.

A central command CCTV center has been established for the monitoring of the entire building complex. This center will keep a vigilant eye on the premises and corridors, ensuring the security of all government offices and departments within the building.

Relocation of Ministries and The Future of North and South Blocks

Once the new Kartavya Bhawan buildings are operational, ministries currently located in older buildings like North and South Blocks, Shastri Bhawan, Agriculture Bhawan, and Industry Bhawan will be relocated. Both North and South Blocks, which currently house important ministries, will be vacated and repurposed. The government plans to convert these historic buildings into the Bharat Museum, showcasing India’s history, art, and culture, from the Mahabharata era to the present day.

Minister Manohar Lal Khattar mentioned that the entire Central Vista project, which includes the development of a new residence and office for the Prime Minister, is set to be completed by December 2031. This massive project is part of the government’s vision to modernize the infrastructure of the country’s political center, making it more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.

Transformation of the Central Vista Area

The Central Vista redevelopment project has already seen significant progress, with the construction of the new Parliament House, Vice President’s Enclave, and the development of Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. The next phase of the project includes the creation of a new executive enclave, which will house the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Cabinet Secretariat, India House, and the National Security Council Secretariat. In the second phase, a new residence for the Prime Minister will also be constructed.

This redevelopment is intended to bring greater efficiency and modernity to the central government’s working environment, ensuring that the infrastructure can meet the growing needs of India’s governance. By centralizing ministries and departments in new, state-of-the-art buildings, the government aims to foster greater collaboration and streamline operations.

Key Features of Kartavya Bhawan-3 in Brief

• Total Area: 1.5 lakh square meters

• Ground Floor Area: 40,000 square meters

• Total Floors: 10 floors, including two basements

• Parking Capacity: 600 car spaces

• Common Facilities: Yoga, crèche, medical room, café, and a multipurpose hall

• Conference Rooms: 24 main conference halls (capacity 45 people each), 26 small conference rooms (capacity 25 people each), 67 meeting rooms (capacity 9 people each)

• Lifts: 27 lifts, central air-conditioning, and two automatic staircases

Demolition of Old Buildings

As part of the Central Vista project, the Agriculture Bhawan, Industry Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, and Construction Bhawan are slated for demolition. These buildings have been in use for over 75 years and have outlived their utility. The ministries currently housed in these buildings are in the process of being relocated. Some ministries have temporarily moved into rented buildings for the next two years. As the new Kartavya Bhawan buildings become operational, these ministries and departments will be shifted to the new facilities.

The Central Vista Project: A Vision for the Future

The Central Vista redevelopment project is not just about creating new office buildings; it is part of a larger vision to modernize India’s political and administrative infrastructure. By creating a more efficient and sustainable workspace for the government, the project aims to enhance the functioning of the Indian government while preserving the heritage and cultural significance of the Central Vista area.

This project reflects the government’s commitment to improving governance by ensuring that ministries and departments have the necessary infrastructure to function efficiently. The new buildings, such as Kartavya Bhawan-3, will provide a modern, environmentally friendly environment for government employees, fostering greater productivity, collaboration, and innovation.

The inauguration of Kartavya Bhawan-3 is a significant step towards the completion of the Central Vista redevelopment project. With the construction of additional buildings and the relocation of ministries to these modern facilities, the government aims to streamline its operations and create a more efficient workspace for its employees. The project also represents the government’s commitment to sustainability, with features like energy-saving technologies, solar panels, and waste management systems incorporated into the design. As the Central Vista project progresses, it is expected to have a lasting impact on India’s governance and administrative infrastructure, setting a new standard for modern government facilities.