With PMO set to move out, South Block conservation, retrofitting to begin soon

Now, with government sources saying the PMO is likely to move out soon, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is carrying out the redevelopment project, has kicked off the conservation and retrofitting of South Block. The CPWD invited bids from contractors on October 25 for the “comprehensive conservation, retrofitting and setting up of utility building in South Block” at an estimated cost of Rs 298.52 crore, with a completion period of 24 months. The last date for submission of bids is November 19.

“The work site is existing South Building, New Delhi. The proposed work is of very prestigious nature and is required to be completed strictly within the prescribed time limit with the highest standards of quality and workmanship,” the CPWD’s bid document says.

The project involves the survey of the site using ground penetrating radar; cleaning and treatment of the original walls made of sandstone; dismantling and demolition of the civil and electrical materials added to the building over the years; waterproofing, restoring and reinforcing the original construction elements; and repairing the original materials.

“The transformation of the South Block into a cultural museum involves careful planning of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) services to balance modern functionality with the preservation of its Grade-I heritage status…To address these challenges, the planning prioritises minimising structural alterations, preserving architectural features, and ensuring fire and life safety compliance. The goal is to create a functional and safe museum while maintaining the building’s historical integrity,” the bid document states.

Next up? Construction of CCS 8 and 9

Designed by Herbert Baker, South Block and North Block were completed in 1931 as part of the new capital of British India. After Independence, the two buildings housed the PMO and several ministries, including defence, external affairs, home affairs and finance.

As a part of the Central Vista redevelopment plan that was announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2019, all ministries will be moved into 10 new Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings constructed along the Central Vista, which stretches from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan, after demolishing existing government office buildings. North Block and South Block will be repurposed into museums.

North Block was vacated earlier this month, with the finance ministry moving out to the Kartavya Bhawan, or CCS, complex. So far, two of the CCS buildings have been completed, with the rest either under construction or planning. The next project to be taken up is the construction of CCS 8 and 9 at the site of Udyog Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan, which will be demolished. As per the tender floated for the project on October 25, the CCS buildings will come up at an estimated cost of Rs 3,127.99 crore.