Starajući Lutyens Delhi bungalovi povećavaju trošak održavanja rezidencija ministara na preko ₹ 92 crore

The government’s annual expenditure on the renovation, furnishing, and repair of official residences for Union Ministers in Delhi’s Lutyens bungalow zone reached a record high of Rs 92.35 crore in the fiscal year 2025-26. This amount marks a tripling of the Rs 27.47 crore spent in 2014-15, according to an RTI reply obtained by PTI. Over the past decade, the total expenditure on these works amounted to Rs 547.68 crore, managed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The increase in costs has been attributed to several factors, including rising inflation and the deteriorating condition of the aging structures. Many of the bungalows date back to the early 20th century, with some being over 100 years old. Issues such as seepage, termite infestation, outdated electrical systems, and plumbing faults have plagued these historic properties. Although there have been discussions in the past about demolishing and rebuilding certain bungalows, no formal announcement has been made regarding such plans. The Lutyens bungalow zone, developed between 1912 and 1930 as part of the creation of New Delhi as the imperial capital, has long served as the official residence for senior government officials. After India gained independence, the area was repurposed for use by cabinet ministers, members of parliament, senior judges, and top military officers. Historian Swapna Liddle noted that while Edwin Lutyens is associated with the bungalow zone, he personally designed only the official residences within the President’s Estate surrounding Rashtrapati Bhavan. Most of the colonial-era government bungalows in New Delhi were created by architects from the Public Works Department under British rule. The data reveals a steady increase in annual expenditures over the years. Between 2014 and 2019, the average yearly cost for repairs and upgrades was Rs 26.78 crore. By 2019, this figure had risen to nearly Rs 50 crore annually. The expenditure continued to climb, reaching Rs 71.98 crore in 2024-25 before hitting the current peak of Rs 92.35 crore in 2025-26. The CPWD did not provide specific figures for the upkeep of residences belonging to non-ministerial MPs or for the offices of Union ministers and ministers of state. With approximately 70 to 72 Cabinet ministers and ministers of state, the average cost per minister in the last financial year came to about Rs 1.2 crore. However, individual expenses vary significantly depending on the condition and size of each residence. A source close to a Cabinet minister revealed that the most common repair requests involve electrical components such as fans and LED lighting, along with regular plumbing work, occurring roughly every few months. The historical significance of the Lutyens bungalow zone adds complexity to the issue of its maintenance. For instance, the home currently occupied by Home Minister Amit Shah on Krishna Menon Marg was previously inhabited by Herbert Baker, the architect behind the Old Parliament Building and the North and South Blocks. These historical ties underscore the cultural and architectural value of the area, yet they also highlight the challenges posed by preserving such heritage structures in modern times. As the demand for maintenance continues to grow, the government faces increasing pressure to address the structural integrity and safety concerns of these aging buildings. While no official decision has been made to replace them, the rising costs suggest that a comprehensive review of the future of the Lutyens bungalow zone might soon be necessary.