Ageing Lutyens’ Delhi bungalows push upkeep bill for Union Ministers’ residences to over ₹92 crore

India TodayIndependentCenter6 days ago

An RTI response reveals that the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) spent a record Rs 92.35 crore on repairing and upgrading the official residences of Union Ministers in Delhi's Lutyens Bungalow Zone during 2025-26. This marks a tripling of expenditure over 11 years, driven by inflation and the need to maintain aging colonial-era structures. The bungalows, originally built between 1912 and 1930 as part of New Delhi's development, now serve high-ranking officials including ministers, MPs, judges, and military officers. Historians note that while Edwin Lutyens named the area, many bungalows were designed by British administrators. Spending averaged Rs 26.78 crore annually from 2014-2019, rising to nearly Rs 50 crore from 2019-2024 before reaching the 2025-26 peak.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on government spending without overtly criticizing or praising the expenditure. It includes historical context and expert commentary but remains neutral in tone, balancing both the necessity of maintenance and the scale of costs. No clear ideological slant is detect

The HinduIndependentCenter6 days ago

The upkeep cost for Delhi's historic Lutyens' Bungalows, which serve as residences for Union Ministers and other officials, has surged significantly. According to data obtained via a Right to Information (RTI) request, the government spent ₹92.35 crore on repairs, renovations, and maintenance in 2025-26, marking a sharp increase from ₹27.47 crore in 2014-15. This rise is attributed to inflation, structural aging, and ongoing maintenance issues like seepage, termite damage, and outdated infrastructure. The bungalows, originally constructed between 1912 and 1930 as part of New Delhi's imperial planning, continue to face challenges despite being maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Historians note that while Edwin Lutyens contributed to the design of the bungalow zone, many were created by British-era architects. The financial burden reflects broader concerns about preserving colonial-era architecture amid modernization needs.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on rising maintenance costs without overtly criticizing or praising the government's handling of the issue. It includes historical context and expert commentary but does not take a clear ideological stance. The focus remains on the economic and structural challenges