India's Seat Of Power Is Shifting From Iconic Raisina Hill To Smart New Secretariat

It will also mark the beginning of a major reshuffle in the functioning of central government offices under the ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which aims to modernise the physical infrastructure of governance to give it a modern, state-of-the-art feel. The consolidation of scattered government ministries and departments into a centralised, contemporary, energy-efficient space is expected to boost efficiency and coordination.

The Great Relocation Begins

The General Administration Department has already set the wheels in motion by coordinating packing, transportation, and resetting operations for various departments. To ensure the relocation proceeds smoothly and efficiently, officers at the levels of Under-Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and even Director have been designated to oversee the relocation efforts.

To avoid any disruption in the functioning of crucial ministries, dedicated logistical resources have been deployed, including teams responsible for loading, unloading, and managing the entire process. 

CCS-3 To House 7 Ministries & Departments

This is one of the key buildings of the Central Vista Project. It has been carefully designed to accommodate multiple ministries under one roof. On June 12, the government announced a detailed floor-wise allocation plan for seven ministries and departments in this newly-constructed facility (see graphic below for details).

Facilitation Centre By CPWD

To support this massive relocation effort, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has set up a dedicated Facilitation Centre within CCS-3, which has been tasked with providing critical assistance in inventory and asset coordination, familiarisation with new facilities, security and safety briefings, parking assignments, and comprehensive movement and relocation planning.

According to officials, each department has been directed to appoint nodal officers to liaise with the Facilitation Centre, ensuring operational continuity and a smooth transition into the new building.

Preserving Past, Embracing Future

With ministries that are currently spread across multiple locations like Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, as well as the iconic North and South Blocks, the CCS complex promises improved coordination, inter-ministerial collaboration, and operational efficiency.

While the relocation signals a modern leap forward, it also allows for the conservation of heritage structures. Iconic buildings like North and South blocks will be repurposed for cultural and ceremonial use, preserving their legacy as symbols of India’s administrative evolution.

Toward Smarter Urban Mobility

Once the construction of the CCS-3 building was complete — with thousands of government employees expected to shift in — Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the nodal authority, began exploring long-term solutions to address traffic, mobility, and last-mile connectivity in the area.

A comprehensive study was also done to analyse commute patterns, improve public transportation, reduce congestion, and promote multimodal integration around Kartavya Path and Parliament House.

A senior official in the know of things said, “As part of this initiative, government employees were invited to participate in an online survey, detailing their daily commute — starting points, distance travelled, transportation costs, preferred modes of transport, and challenges faced in reaching their workplaces. These insights played a pivotal role in developing data-driven strategies for a more sustainable and user-friendly urban environment.”

He noted that more than 54,000 employees commute daily to and from around 20 major office complexes spread across the Capital, making the enhancement of mobility solutions in this high-density zone not only critical for efficiency, but also for environmental and civic sustainability.

The Bigger Picture: Central Vista Redevelopment

The transition to CCS-3 is just one part of the broader Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Eventually, all government offices, currently functioning from various Bhawans and secretariat buildings, are expected to be consolidated into 10 new state-of-the-art office buildings, and a Central Conference Centre.

The plan includes seamless internal connectivity, using automated underground people movers, overground shuttles, and dedicated walkways. This is envisioned to drastically reduce commuting times between ministries, and boost inter-departmental synergy.

The relocation of the Ministry of Home Affairs to CCS-3 marks a transformative chapter in the Central Vista story. By embracing modern infrastructure, digital connectivity, and green practices, the Government of India is not only centralising administrative functions, but also laying the foundation for a more efficient, responsive, and future-ready governance model.

As the country’s most ambitious project for rejuvenation of administrative efficiency continues to unfold, the Central Vista Project stands as a symbol of progress that balances heritage with modernity and tradition with technology.