The official residence of Delhi's Chief Minister, located at Bungalow number 1 on Raj Niwas Marg, is slated for a ₹60 lakh renovation this month. The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a tender notice outlining the scope of the project, which primarily focuses on upgrading the electrical fixtures of the building.
According to the tender, the renovation project includes the installation of 23 premium energy-efficient ceiling fans and 16 wall fans. The air conditioning system will be upgraded with 24 two-tonne air conditioners, with the air conditioning work alone costing approximately ₹11,11,342. The project also involves a comprehensive overhaul of the lighting, with 115 new lamps, wall lighters, and hanging lights to be installed, along with three large chandeliers, for a total cost of ₹6,03,939. The entrance and drawing room will be adorned with a large brass frame glass chandelier featuring six LED bulbs, complemented by two smaller units.
In addition to the electrical and lighting upgrades, the renovation plan includes new kitchen appliances such as an electric chimney, a gas hob with electromagnetic burners, a 20-litre microwave, an LCD display toast grill, and a water purifier. The residence will also receive six new geysers, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and a larger RO water plant capable of processing 50 liters per hour.
PWD officials have stated that the building is currently being used as an office for the L-G Secretariat and requires extensive renovation and upgrades to make it suitable for the Chief Minister's family. The PWD official also mentioned that approximately 80 light points, fan points, exhausts, and other sections will need to be completely rewired. The tender specifies that the total project cost for this initial phase is ₹60 lakh, which includes the supply, installation, and commissioning of all units and appliances. The project is expected to be completed within 60 days. Bids for the tender were opened on July 4.
This renovation project comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the renovation of the previous Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence. Reports from earlier in the year detailed how the costs for renovating the former CM's residence escalated significantly from an initial estimate of ₹7.9 crore to over ₹33 crore. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighted these cost overruns and pointed out several irregularities in the tendering process and contractor selection. The report also revealed that funds intended for a staff block and camp office were allegedly diverted for the renovation.
The BJP has been highly critical of the expenditure on the former CM's residence, referring to it as "Sheesh Mahal" and alleging that the actual cost of the renovation was closer to ₹75-80 crore. They have accused the former CM of misusing public funds and splurging on luxurious amenities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Times reported that the former CM's residence included an 88-inch OLED TV costing ₹28.9 lakh, ten 4K Sony OLED TVs for ₹43.9 lakh, a ₹3.2 lakh Samsung multi-door refrigerator, and ₹6.5 lakh for two steam ovens. Further, a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa were installed at a cost of ₹19.5 lakh.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has also ordered an investigation into alleged financial and regulatory irregularities in the renovation of the former CM's residence, following a complaint filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta. The investigation aims to examine potential violations of building norms and misuse of government resources.
