Prime Minister Modi has reportedly requested that ministers and officials refrain from making modifications to their offices in the new Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings along Kartavya Path. This direction comes as several ministries are preparing to move into the new buildings, with the first set of offices relocating from North Block.

The Prime Minister's message emphasizes practicality and equality. Sources indicate that Modi acknowledged potential initial space constraints for ministers and officers and urged them to "keep their ego aside." The intention is to ensure fair allocation and prevent unnecessary alterations driven by personal preferences. The Prime Minister assured that once all the CCS buildings are completed, sufficient space will be available for everyone.

The CCS buildings are a key part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, which aims to replace Delhi's colonial-era architecture with modern structures. The project, estimated to cost ₹20,000 crore, includes the construction of ten new Common Central Secretariat buildings. Three of these buildings are expected to be operational by October, housing departments from various ministries, including finance and defense. Offices currently located in North Block, as well as some departments from Shastri Bhawan and Nirman Bhavan, will be relocated to these new buildings starting in August.

To avoid further delays in the construction, the government has adopted steel composite structures for CCS 6 and 7, which are being built on the sites of the old Vice-President's House and the Vigyan Bhawan Annexe. This change in construction method is projected to accelerate the building process by 25%. The final seating arrangements for ministries within the new secretariat buildings may be revised once at least seven buildings are ready, with officials considering reshuffling offices to ensure ministries are housed in contiguous spaces for improved coordination.

In the interim, temporary accommodation is likely to be arranged in a building developed by NBCC (India) Limited in Netaji Nagar, which is also used by institutions such as the South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC). This temporary arrangement will provide up to 2.39 lakh sqm of office space.

The Prime Minister's directive against modifications aligns with the broader goals of the Central Vista project: efficiency, modernity, and a departure from colonial legacies. By discouraging individual alterations, the government aims to maintain a uniform aesthetic and functional design across the new office spaces, fostering a more cohesive and productive work environment.