Kartavya Bhavan[1] or Common Central Secretariat (CCS) is a set of ten-newly built buildings for the various union ministries envisioned under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi. It marks a bold, duty-centric leap from the colonial shadows of Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, and others, towards a greener and more cohesive administrative future.[2]
Since the independence of India, key ministries like Home, Finance, Defence, External Affairs, and PMO were located in the North and South Block, whereas some other ministries were located in Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, and others.
Perspective view of the new Kartavya Bhavan complex, showcasing its three-height and spacious architectural design
Some ministries and departments were also located in some rented buildings that cost the government around ₹1,500 crore (US$180million) annually in rent.[3] All these ministries being located dispersedly causes various coordination issues among ministries. Considering these facts, it was the need of the time to consolidate ministries, improve inter-departmental coordination, and create a more efficient and productive work environment for government employees.[4]
The Central Vista initiative, launched in 2019, envisioned consolidating scattered ministries into ten modern complexes, aiming to modernize India's administrative infrastructure, enhance governance efficiency, and create a more sustainable and user-friendly environment as the he current buildings are aging, lack sufficient space, and are not equipped to handle current and future administrative needs.[5]
Kartavya Bhavan-3, the first of these ten, was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 August 2025.[6] The full CCS campus is forecasted to be operational by mid-2027.[7]
The building was designed by HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd., the same firm behind the overall Central Vista master plan.[8] The structure incorporates elements of Lutyens' architectural style, such as colonnaded facades and symmetrical layouts, while integrating modern sustainability features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
The seven-storey structure, with two subterranean levels, spans approximately 150,000m2 (1,600,000sqft).[2] Its design emphasizes sustainability and efficiency. Key features include:[9]
Double-glazed facade and noise-insulating glass.
Energy-saving LED lights, sensor-based and smart HVAC systems, reducing consumption by ~30%.[5]
Rooftop solar panels (366 kWp + 200 kW) generating over 534,000 kWh annually.[10]
Zero-discharge wastewater management (1.1 million L/day recycled), rainwater harvesting, and composting (~1,000 kg/day).[11]
Recycled materials, EV charging infrastructure, smart elevators, and motion-sensor lighting.[12]
Facilities
The building includes 24 large conference rooms, 26 small ones, and 67 compact team-meeting spaces, along with facilities such as a creche, yoga room, medical centre, café, multipurpose hall, and parking for about 600 cars.[5] Entry is controlled via smart ID cards, biometric systems, and a centralized surveillance control centre.[13]
Buildings and ministries
A total of ten Common Central Secretariat buildings will be built along the Kartavya Path to house all the ministries and important departments. Some old ministerial buildings like Krishi Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Jawahar Bhawan, and Vigyan Bhavan will be demolished to make way for these new buildings.
Kartavya Bhavan-3, first among the ten buildings to be inaugurated on 5 August 2025. While the rest of the buildings are expected to be completed by June 2027.[14]
Initially, a plan was proposed to install underground moving walkways loop-line connecting all Common Central Secretariat buildings. However, the plan was dropped later. During the inauguration of the Kartavya Bhavan-3, it was announced that an extra 7-km stretch of the underground Metro of the Green Line from Indraprastha metro station to Ramakrishna Ashram Marg metro station will be constructed with 9 stations at Bharat Mandapam, Baroda House, India Gate, Kartavya Bhavan, Central Secretariat, Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, and Shivaji Stadium.[16][17]
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