MHA Initiates Move from Historic North Block to Modern CCS-3 Building in Central Vista Plan

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is relocating from the historic North Block on Raisina Hills to a new building near India Gate. This move is part of the Central Vista project initiated by the Narendra Modi government to revamp the capital's core. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and some senior officers have already moved to the newly built CCS-3 building, with others expected to follow soon, according to sources.

While the office of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has not yet relocated, preparations are in progress. The MHA has been assigned approximately 350 rooms in this new facility. The North Block, a red-sandstone structure, has served as the MHA's headquarters for nearly 90 years. Once all offices are vacated, both North and South Blocks will be transformed into a mega museum named Yuge Yugeen Bharat.

Central Vista Project and New Developments

The Central Vista project includes constructing 10 office buildings and a conference centre along Kartavya Path. The first three buildings have been completed. The CCS-3 building will host various ministries, including external affairs, petroleum and natural gas, micro, small and medium enterprises, rural development, and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in addition to the MHA.

British architect Herbert Baker designed the North and South Blocks, along with Parliament House and several bungalows. Baker collaborated with Edwin Lutyens on New Delhi's overall plan. These identical buildings house key offices like the Prime Minister's Office and ministries of home, finance, defence, and external affairs.

Future Plans for North and South Blocks

The planned museum will span 1.55 lakh square metres with 950 rooms, making it one of the largest globally. The transformation aligns with the government's vision to centralise administrative functions while preserving historical architecture. This initiative aims to modernise infrastructure while maintaining cultural heritage.

According to a government order, CCS-3 will accommodate the office of the principal scientific adviser alongside several ministries. This strategic relocation is part of a broader effort to streamline government operations within a unified complex.

The Central Vista project reflects a significant shift in how government offices are organised in New Delhi. By consolidating ministries into modern facilities, the government seeks to enhance efficiency while repurposing iconic structures for public engagement through cultural initiatives.

With inputs from PTI