Kartavya Bhavan,[1] also referred to as the Common Central Secretariat (CCS), is a complex of ten newly-constructed office buildings in New Delhi, India, developed under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Intended for usage by the various ministries of the Government of India, the project aims to replace older structures, such as Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, and Krishi Bhawan, with a contemporaneous, centralised administrative complex.[2]
Since India's independence, key ministries such as Home, Finance, Defence, External Affairs, and the Prime Minister’s Office have been housed in the North and South Block buildings, while others have occupied offices in structures like Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, and Nirman Bhawan. Some departments have also operated from rented premises, reportedly costing the government approximately ₹1,500 crore (US$180 million) annually in rent.[3] The Central Vista Redevelopment Project was initiated in part to consolidate these ministries into a single complex, with the aim of improving coordination and reducing operational costs.[4]
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project, launched in 2019, includes plans to construct ten new buildings to house various central government ministries. According to official statements, the project aims to replace older government buildings that are reportedly facing issues such as insufficient space and aging infrastructure.[5]
Kartavya Bhavan-3, the first of these ten, was completed and inaugurated on 6 August 2025.[6] The full CCS campus is forecasted to be operational by mid-2027.[7]
Architecture
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] The design includes features intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Key elements 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
Each of the buildings includes 24 large conference rooms, 26 small ones, and 67 compact team-meeting spaces, along with facilities such as a crèche, yoga room, medical center, 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
Prime Minister Modi during the inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan 3
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, and Vigyan Bhavan will be demolished to make way for these new buildings.
Kartavya Bhavan-3, the first among the ten buildings, was inaugurated on 5 August 2025. While the rest of the buildings are expected to be completed by June 2027.[14]
At the onset, a plan was proposed to install a loop-line of underground moving walkways connecting all buildings of the Common Central Secretariat. However, the proposal was eventually dropped. During the inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan-3, the government announced a new 7-kilometre extension of the Delhi Metro’s Green Line, running from Indraprastha metro station to Ramakrishna Ashram Marg. The extension will include nine new stations at Bharat Mandapam, Baroda House, India Gate, Kartavya Bhavan, Central Secretariat, Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, and Shivaji Stadium.[20][21]
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