Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan-03, the first of ten planned Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings under the Central Vista redevelopment project in New Delhi. In his address, Modi emphasized that these are “not just new buildings” but the epicenter from which “the direction of the country will be set” for a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. The state-of-the-art complex, designed to house key ministries, marks a shift from outdated British-era infrastructure to modern, sustainable governance hubs. This article explores the significance of Kartavya Bhavan, its role in India’s administrative and economic transformation, the broader Central Vista project, and the challenges and opportunities it presents, drawing on Modi’s remarks and recent developments as of August 8, 2025.
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project
The Central Vista, India’s power corridor stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, is undergoing a transformative redevelopment to modernize administrative infrastructure. The CCS project, a cornerstone of this initiative, aims to consolidate 51 ministries currently scattered across 50 locations in Delhi, including aging structures like Shastri Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan, built between the 1950s and 1970s. These buildings, Modi noted, suffer from “inadequate space, light, or ventilation,” with the government spending ₹1,500 crore annually on rent for leased spaces.
Kartavya Bhavan-03, located on Janpath, is the first of ten CCS buildings, with a completion timeline set for June 2027. It spans 1.5 lakh square meters across two basements and seven floors, housing ministries such as Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office. The project, executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA), integrates advanced digital infrastructure and sustainability features, targeting a GRIHA-4 rating.
Modi’s Vision: Beyond Infrastructure
In his speech at Kartavya Path, Modi framed Kartavya Bhavan as a symbol of India’s ambition during Amrit Kaal (the period leading to India’s centennial independence in 2047). He stated, “These are not only some new buildings and ordinary infrastructure. In Amrit Kaal, the policies of Viksit Bharat will be made here, important decisions for Viksit Bharat will be taken. In the coming decades, the direction for the country will be set from here.” This vision aligns with his broader governance model, emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centricity, built over 11 years of reforms, including scrapping 1,500 obsolete laws and 40,000 compliances and leveraging Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and mobile technology to eliminate 10 crore fraudulent beneficiaries, saving ₹4.3 lakh crore.
Modi urged bureaucrats to rethink delays, noting that a file affecting one lakh people, if stalled, wastes “one lakh human days.” He highlighted Kartavya Bhavan’s role in fostering inter-ministerial coordination, reducing the daily movement of 8,000–10,000 employees across Delhi, which exacerbates traffic and costs. The building’s modern amenities—24 conference rooms, 67 meeting rooms, 27 lifts, a creche, yoga room, medical room, and cafe—aim to boost productivity and employee well-being.
Sustainability and Modernization
Kartavya Bhavan-03 exemplifies sustainable design:
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Eco-Conscious Features: Double-glazed façades, rooftop solar, solar water heating, advanced HVAC systems, rainwater harvesting, and zero-discharge waste management.
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Digital Integration: IT-ready workspaces, smart card access, integrated surveillance, and a centralized command system.
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Capacity: Parking for 600 cars and a 40,000-square-meter basement, ensuring scalability.
The project aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), using Indian materials and labor. Modi planted a sapling at the site, symbolizing environmental commitment. The CCS buildings will save ₹1,500 crore annually in rent, addressing the inefficiency of leased spaces. A planned metro corridor from Indraprastha to Ramkrishna Ashram Marg will connect the CCS, North Block, and South Block, enhancing accessibility.
Project Timeline and Scope
The CCS project is progressing rapidly:
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Kartavya Bhavan-01 and 02: Nearing completion by September 2025, at the former Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) site.
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Kartavya Bhavan-10: Targeted for April 2026, at the erstwhile Raksha Bhawan.
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Kartavya Bhavan-06 and 07: Set for October 2026, housing the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and military services.
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Full Completion: All ten buildings by June 2027, with demolition tenders for Shastri, Krishi, Nirman, and Udyog Bhavans to be floated soon.
The broader Central Vista project includes:
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A new Parliament building (completed 2023).
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Vice President’s Enclave (completed).
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Executive Enclave for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Cabinet Secretariat, and National Security Council (under construction, ₹1,189 crore by Larsen & Toubro).
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A new PM residence (phase two).
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Conversion of North and South Blocks into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum.
Strategic and Economic Context
The CCS inauguration aligns with India’s broader economic and governance challenges:
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U.S. Tariff Tensions: The U.S.’s 50% tariff on Indian exports, effective August 28, 2025, over Russian oil imports, threatens economic growth. The CCS’s streamlined governance could expedite trade policy responses, potentially coordinated by K. Moses Chalai, the likely next Finance Secretary.
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Infrastructure Delays: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s critique of Punjab’s land acquisition delays underscores the need for efficient administration, which the CCS aims to facilitate.
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Fiscal Coordination: With the Union Budget 2025–26 under preparation, the CCS’s role in housing key ministries like Home Affairs and External Affairs will enhance policy execution, critical amid global trade uncertainties.
Modi’s emphasis on Viksit Bharat ties the CCS to his third-term agenda of economic development, national security, and social welfare, as evidenced by initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana, which sanctioned 4.2 crore houses from 2014–2024.
Challenges and Criticisms
The Central Vista project has faced scrutiny:
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Cost Concerns: Kartavya Bhavan-03’s tendered cost is ₹3,690 crore, with final costs pending. Critics, including the Congress party, have questioned the project’s expense amid economic pressures, though Modi defends it as a long-term investment.
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Displacement: Relocating ministries from Shastri, Krishi, Nirman, and Udyog Bhavans to temporary sites like Kasturba Gandhi Marg has raised logistical concerns.
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Heritage Preservation: Converting North and South Blocks into a museum has sparked debates over altering Lutyens’ Delhi, though the government plans to retain buildings like the National Archives and Vanijya Bhawan.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments: some praise Modi’s vision for modernizing governance (@narendramodi’s August 6 post), while others question prioritization amid issues like U.S. tariffs.
Opportunities
The CCS project offers significant opportunities:
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Administrative Efficiency: Co-locating ministries will reduce bureaucratic delays, enhancing policy execution for Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
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Economic Savings: Saving ₹1,500 crore annually on rent will free resources for development projects.
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Global Symbolism: Kartavya Bhavan reflects India’s global vision, aligning with Modi’s diplomatic engagements, such as his July 2025 five-nation tour.
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Sustainability: The project’s eco-friendly design sets a precedent for future infrastructure, supporting India’s climate goals.
