PMO to shift after 78 years, from South Block to Central Vista address

A major change is set to take place in the power corridors of Lutyens’ Delhi. After 78 years, the address of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will change. The PMO will shift from South Block to the newly constructed Executive Enclave. According to reports, the new PMO will become functional starting next month.

The South Block and North Block buildings were constructed before Independence during British rule. The old buildings now face space constraints and lack modern facilities. 

To address this, the central government directed the construction of new and improved administrative buildings. As a result, the new Executive Enclave has been built a short distance away from South Block. This modern complex will house the PMO, the Cabinet Secretariat, the National Security Council Secretariat, and advanced conferencing facilities.

Limitations of the old buildings

The South Block and North Block, built during the British era, provide very little space and are not equipped with modern-day amenities. Even basic facilities such as adequate space, natural light, and ventilation were lacking in these old offices. Prime Minister Modi himself had once remarked that key institutions like the Ministry of Home Affairs had been functioning for almost 100 years from a single building with insufficient resources.

Earlier this month, the prime minister inaugurated the ministries of Home Affairs and Personnel which were shifted to Kartavya Bhavan-3.

Need for a new office

India is emerging as a major economic power, and thus requires new and better infrastructure for administrative functioning. The new buildings are designed to reflect the identity of a modern India.

The new Executive Enclave will not only include the PMO, but also the Cabinet Secretariat, the National Security Council Secretariat, and conferencing facilities. A key advantage is its proximity to the Prime Minister’s residence, which will enhance both convenience and security.

The historic South Block and North Block buildings will be converted into a grand public museum, which will be named the ‘Yuge Yugeen Bharat Sangrahalaya’. For this project, an agreement has been signed between India’s National Museum and the French Museum Development authorities. This museum will showcase India’s culture and heritage, connecting people with the country’s glorious past, vibrant present, and promising future.