Central Vista Redevelopment Project, Plan, Components, Impact

The Central Vista Redevelopment Project is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, aiming to modernize New Delhi’s central administrative area near Raisina Hill. Envisioned to reflect India’s evolving democratic and developmental aspirations, the project involves redesigning the 3 km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate into a modern, efficient, and citizen-friendly governance hub. It signifies not just architectural change, but also a transformation in how India envisions its administrative efficiency and public accessibility.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project

Launched in 2019, the Central Vista Redevelopment Project seeks to redesign the 3-kilometre stretch of the Central Vista Avenue (formerly Rajpath, now Kartavya Path) into a modern, green, and people-friendly administrative zone. The project is being implemented by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It is scheduled for completion by 2026, with an estimated cost of ₹13,450 crore (MoHUA).

Central Vista Redevelopment Project Historical Background

The Central Vista was originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker after the 1911 Delhi Durbar, when the British announced the transfer of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The iconic Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the North and South Blocks were built between 1912 and 1931.

After Independence in 1947, this area became the centre of Indian democracy and governance. Over time, however, the century-old buildings faced issues like structural fatigue, space shortage, and outdated facilities. This led to the conceptualization of a new, unified and energy-efficient administrative complex through the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

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Need for Central Vista Redevelopment Project

The century-old government buildings were struggling with inadequate safety systems, limited workspace, and rising maintenance costs. According to a CPWD technical audit (2019), most ministry buildings in the area were in “poor to dilapidated condition.”
Key reasons for redevelopment include:

• Administrative Efficiency: 51 central ministries scattered across multiple rented buildings will be consolidated into one Common Central Secretariat, cutting costs and improving coordination.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Aging facilities lacked modern IT networks, fire safety, and energy efficiency.
• Environmental Sustainability: The redevelopment follows green-building standards with solar energy and waste recycling.
• Public Accessibility: Redeveloped Kartavya Path and open lawns promote citizen engagement and tourism.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project Plan

The project involves constructing new government complexes while repurposing existing heritage structures for public engagement.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project Components

The major components and key changes that are planned for the Central Vista Redevelopment Project has been listed below:

1. New Parliament Building

• Inaugurated: May 28, 2023
  Cost: approx. ₹1,250 crore (Tata Projects Ltd.)
• Features:
  • Triangular-shaped modern design.
  • Lok Sabha capacity: 888 seats; Rajya Sabha: 384 seats; expandable to 1,272 for joint sessions.
  • Equipped with digital systems, solar panels, earthquake-resistant structure, and a 150-year lifespan.

2. Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath)

• Redeveloped into a 3-km long pedestrian-friendly boulevard connecting Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.
• Includes new lawns, canals, bridges, street furniture, underpasses, and 16.5 km of walkways.
• Increased green cover from 3,890 to 4,087 trees, improved lighting, and public conveniences.
• Inaugurated on 8 September 2022 by the Prime Minister.

3. Common Central Secretariat (Kartavya Bhawan)

• Consists of 10 new interconnected buildings to house all central ministries.
• Designed in Lutyens’ architectural style with a height less than 42 metres (India Gate’s height).
• Expected to accommodate 75,000+ employees with energy-efficient and digital facilities.
• First complex (Kartavya Bhawan) to be inaugurated on 6 August 2025.

4. Vice President and Prime Minister’s Enclaves

• Both the Vice President’s Enclave and the Prime Minister’s Office and Residence will be located within the new Common Central Secretariat, which will be in a new location.
• Aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve security and coordination in governance.
• Spread over 15 acres each, featuring offices, residences, and security complexes.

5. Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA)

• Relocated to a 15-acre plot near Jamnagar House.
• New facilities will include auditoriums, cultural archives, exhibition halls, and research centres.

6. Central Vista Metro Loop Line

• A new underground metro loop connecting all government offices in the Vista area.
• Will integrate with the existing Central Secretariat Metro Station (Yellow and Violet Lines).
• Aims to reduce vehicular movement and promote public transport.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project Criticism

The project has faced several criticisms. Despite these concerns, the government emphasizes the project’s long-term national importance and eco-friendly execution.

• Timing: Critics questioned the project’s priority during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Heritage impact: Concerns about the loss of historical aesthetics and limited public consultation.
• Transparency: Approvals were given under the Government Buildings Act, 1899, bypassing municipal oversight.
• Environmental worries: Debate over land-use changes and adequacy of environmental assessments.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project Impact

The Central Vista Redevelopment Project follows strong guidelines to ensure minimal disruption and several beneficial impacts as given below:

1. Environmental and Sustainability Features

• Use of energy-efficient materials and solar power generation.
• No tree cutting; instead, 40,000+ trees planted for green cover expansion.
• Recycling of construction waste at dedicated treatment facilities.
• Pedestrian-first design, wider cycle paths, and underground parking to reduce pollution.

2. Governance and Administrative Benefits

• Unified functioning: Brings all ministries together under one administrative complex, improving coordination.
• Improved efficiency: Digital infrastructure and modern facilities will enable faster communication and decision-making.
• Cost optimization: Reduces rent and maintenance expenses for offices currently spread across Delhi.
• Enhanced security: Consolidated administrative area ensures better surveillance and crisis management.

3. Public and Social Impact

• Improved accessibility: Redeveloped Kartavya Path offers inclusive access with ramps, signage, and seating areas.
• Cultural engagement: Conversion of heritage structures like the old Parliament and North-South Blocks into museums enhances public awareness.
• Tourism boost: The Vista area continues to be a major attraction for visitors, hosting Republic Day, Independence Day, and other national events.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project UPSC

As of 2025, the new Parliament, Kartavya Path, and Vice President’s Enclave are completed. After the inauguration of Kartavya Bhawan, completion of Common Secretariat Complexes 1, 2, 6, 7, and 10 will be followed by late 2026. The Executive Enclave, comprising the Cabinet Secretariat and National Security Council, is also under construction. The Central Vista Metro Loop Line, a four-station underground system, will link all administrative buildings for high-efficiency movement.