New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kartavya Bhavan-03 on Kartavya Path in the national capital on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards centralizing India’s administrative machinery and cutting down on massive rental expenditures.
Highlighting the inefficiency of the current system, PM Modi revealed that over ₹1,500 crore is being spent annually on renting office spaces for central government ministries, many of which are operating from 50 different locations across Delhi, often in decades-old, colonial-era buildings with poor infrastructure.
“Can you imagine a crucial ministry like Home Affairs running from a building nearly a century old, lacking ventilation, proper lighting, and basic amenities?” the PM asked, addressing officials and ministers at the inaugural event.
A Symbol of Viksit Bharat
Calling Kartavya Bhavan more than just a government office, Modi said it symbolizes a ‘new work culture’ that focuses on efficiency, purpose, and national development. “The seed of Viksit Bharat will be sown here. This building will shape India’s direction in the coming decades,” he said.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Modi emphasized the importance of duty (kartavya) over outcomes — a guiding principle behind the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) project under the Central Vista Redevelopment Plan.
What’s Inside Kartavya Bhavan-03?
The newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan-03, built with a plinth area of 1.5 lakh sq. metres, is equipped with modern facilities:
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Basement Area: 40,000 sq. metres
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Parking Capacity: 600 cars
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Offices to Be Housed:
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Ministry of Home Affairs
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External Affairs
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Rural Development
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MSME
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DoPT
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Petroleum & Natural Gas
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Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office
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The building also includes:
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24 large conference rooms (capacity: 45 each)
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26 small conference rooms (capacity: 25 each)
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67 meeting rooms
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27 lifts
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A creche, medical room, yoga room, café, and multipurpose hall
Part of the Central Vista Masterplan
Kartavya Bhavan-03 is the first among 10 CCS buildings planned to consolidate government departments under one modernized hub.
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CCS Buildings 1 & 2: To be completed by September 2025
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CCS 6 & 7: Scheduled for October 2026
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CCS 10: To be ready by April 2026
During the transition, offices currently operating out of Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, and Udyog Bhawan will be temporarily relocated to KG Marg, Minto Road, and Netaji Palace.
Notably, iconic buildings like the National Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Dr Ambedkar Auditorium, and Vanijya Bhawan will be retained due to their recent construction or cultural significance.
What’s Next in Central Vista?
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project, a flagship urban transformation initiative, has already delivered:
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A new Parliament building
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A redeveloped Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate
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A new Vice President’s Enclave
Upcoming constructions include:
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A state-of-the-art Executive Enclave, featuring a new PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, India House, and National Security Council Secretariat
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A new residence for the Prime Minister (Phase 2)
A Leap Toward Better Governance
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Secretary Katikithala Srinivas, accompanied the Prime Minister during the building tour. Srinivas detailed the modern features and eco-efficient design of the structure, emphasizing its role in supporting seamless governance.
The consolidation of ministries under one roof is expected to boost inter-departmental coordination, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a digitally connected and future-ready bureaucracy.
