New Delhi | June 1, 2025 — A major transformation in Delhi’s administrative landscape is underway, with the Union government preparing to shift ministries from iconic buildings like North Block and Nirman Bhawan to newly constructed Common Central Secretariat (CCS) complexes. The move is expected to begin by August 2025, marking a historic shift from colonial-era and post-independence offices to modern infrastructure.
New Central Secretariat: Nearing Completion
The three new buildings — CCS 1, 2, and 3 — located along Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), are in the final stages of construction. According to government sources, about 95% of the work is complete, with CCS 3 nearly ready for occupation. The other two buildings are set to be completed in the coming three months.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, currently located in Nirman Bhawan, is among the first to move into the new premises. The North Block, home to the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, and Personnel, will also be vacated. This iconic building, built in 1931, will be converted into a national museum as part of the Central Vista redevelopment plan.
Iconic Structures to be Demolished
Several other buildings — Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, and the current National Museum — are set to be demolished to make room for future CCS buildings. These buildings, constructed between the 1950s and 1960s, have housed various central ministries for decades.
Part of Central Vista Redevelopment
The move is part of the Union government’s ambitious Central Vista project, announced in 2019, aimed at modernising the administrative heart of the country. The project spans the stretch between India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, and includes:
- Construction of 10 Common Central Secretariat buildings
- A new Parliament House (already completed)
- Vice President’s Enclave (completed)
- Revamp of Kartavya Path (completed)
- Upcoming Executive Enclave (PM’s residence and offices)
- Conference centre for government meetings
Fast-Tracking Delayed Projects
Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the Central Vista project has experienced delays. However, sources now say the timeline for the remaining buildings is being condensed. The government is actively working on tenders for the rest of the CCS buildings.
Construction company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been at the forefront of this transformation. It won the ₹3,142 crore contract for CCS 1, 2, and 3 in October 2021 — the largest-ever single tender awarded by CPWD (Central Public Works Department).
Recently, L&T was also awarded the contract for CCS 6 and 7, located at the sites of the old Vice President’s House and Vigyan Bhawan Annexe. Interestingly, this is the first Central Vista project not designed by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, which had drafted the original master plan and building designs.
Future Plans Underway
Work has also started on CCS 10, proposed at the current Raksha Bhawan site, and on the Executive Enclave. Once complete, the project will centralise the Union government’s administrative machinery in a secure, modern, and integrated environment.
This large-scale reshuffling also serves to restore and repurpose historical buildings, many of which are expected to serve cultural or public purposes in the future.
The Central Secretariat shift marks a symbolic and functional upgrade in India’s governance infrastructure. As the capital city prepares for this historic transition, it also signals the end of an era for some of the most familiar government buildings in New Delhi.
