Archive · 31 Oct 2025
South Block Conservation and Retrofitting to Begin as PMO Relocates
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is moving out of its current home in South Block.
This old building, along with its neighbor North Block, is going to be turned into a big new museum called the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum.
Because the PMO is leaving, workers can finally start fixing up South Block.
They will clean its old sandstone walls, remove newer additions, and make sure it's safe and strong while keeping its historic look.
This is all part of a larger plan to change the city center.
North Block is already being worked on, and other new government buildings are being built nearby.
The work on South Block is expected to take about two years.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is relocating from South Block, paving the way for its conservation and retrofitting.
South Block is slated to be transformed into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has invited bids for the Rs 298.52 crore project, with a 24-month completion timeline.
Work will involve preserving original sandstone elements, updating utilities, and ensuring fire safety while maintaining heritage status.
North Block is also undergoing similar retrofitting, and new Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings are under construction.
- Who
- Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and contractors
- What
- Conservation and retrofitting of South Block to convert it into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum
- When
- Bids invited on October 25, work to start soon after PMO vacates; completion expected in 24 months
- Where
- South Block, New Delhi
- Why
- To repurpose the historic building into a national museum as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project.
- Project Name
- South Block Conservation and Retrofitting
- Estimated Cost
- Rs 298.52 crore
- Completion Period
- 24 months
- Bid Submission Deadline
- November 19
- Architects of South/North Block
- Herbert Baker
- Original Construction Year
- 1931