Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Kartavya Bhavan-3 today, August 6, marking a significant milestone in the Central Vista redevelopment project. Kartavya Bhavan-3 is the first of the new Common Central Secretariat buildings to be completed along Kartavya Path. This building will house several key central government ministries and departments, including the Home Affairs and Petroleum ministries, shifting them from North Block.
The Central Vista redevelopment project, conceived in 2019, aims to modernize Lutyens' Delhi and consolidate government offices to improve efficiency and coordination. The project includes the construction of ten Common Central Secretariat buildings, known as Kartavya Bhawans. These buildings will replace older, scattered offices with modern, hi-tech facilities. The move is expected to save the government nearly ₹1,000 crore in operational costs over time.
Kartavya Bhavan-3 spans approximately 1.5 lakh square meters and features two basement levels and seven floors. Designed with a focus on sustainability, the building aims for a GRIHA 4-star rating and incorporates several energy-saving features. These include rooftop solar panels with a capacity of over 5.3 lakh units of electricity annually and charging stations for electric vehicles. The building also has special glass windows to reduce energy consumption by 30% and minimize outside noise. Energy-saving LED lights, sensors, and smart lifts further contribute to energy conservation. A 366 KWp rooftop photovoltaic system is expected to generate over 5.34 lakh units of electricity annually. Solar water heaters will meet over a quarter of the daily hot water needs.
Kartavya Bhavan-3 is designed as a zero-discharge facility, treating and reusing 1.1 million liters of wastewater daily, covering 60% of its demand. Rainwater harvesting systems will also capture water. The building is IT-enabled, featuring ID card-based access, integrated surveillance, and a centralized command system. It also includes 324 efficient puzzle parking slots, a parking guidance system, and 120 electric vehicle charging points.
The construction and relocation of ministries to all ten Kartavya Bhawans are expected to be completed within the next two years. Two additional buildings are expected to be completed by next month, allowing for further relocation of ministries and departments. Besides Home Affairs and Petroleum, the new facility will accommodate other critical departments, including External Affairs, and Rural Development. Over the next few months, the finance ministry is also expected to move from North Block to another Kartavya Bhavan. At a later stage, the defence ministry and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will also shift from South Block, clearing space for the upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat museum.
The inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan-3 marks a step towards improving inter-ministerial coordination, accelerating policy execution, and fostering a responsive administrative ecosystem. The co-location of ministries and adoption of cutting-edge infrastructure are expected to enhance efficiency, innovation, and collaboration.
