Kartavya Bhavan‑3: PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s New Governance Hub on August 6

In a historic milestone for India's capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Kartavya Bhavan‑3 on August 6, 2025, marking the first operational building under the ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment Project. The inauguration will take place at around 12:15 PM, followed by a major address to the nation from Kartavya Path at 6:30 PM. This new structure signals the beginning of a transformative journey in Indian governance architecture—one that moves beyond colonial-era buildings toward a modern, efficient, and unified administrative framework.

The Central Vista Redevelopment Project is estimated to cost around Rs 20,000 crore according to estimates. (File photo) | India Today

The Significance of Kartavya Bhavan‑3

Kartavya Bhavan‑3 is the first of ten Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings designed to centralize and streamline government operations. Built over a sprawling area of 1.5 lakh square meters, the building accommodates key ministries and departments that were earlier scattered across various parts of Delhi. Ministries already operational in the building include Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, Petroleum and Natural Gas, MSME, DoPT, and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office. This consolidation will foster seamless communication, reduce inter-ministerial delays, and improve policy execution by co-locating related departments in a purpose-built, modern structure.

An Eco-Conscious and Technology-Driven Infrastructure

At its core, Kartavya Bhavan‑3 represents the Indian government’s vision of sustainability blended with innovation. The building has been designed in accordance with GRIHA-4 (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) standards, making it a model for environmentally responsible construction. The complex features a zero-discharge wastewater system, rainwater harvesting, and rooftop solar panels that will generate over 5.3 lakh units of clean energy annually. Enhanced insulation, low-energy lighting, smart elevators, motion sensors, and high-performance glass ensure that the building operates with up to 30% energy savings compared to older infrastructure. Additionally, the premises include electric vehicle charging points and in-house waste management systems, reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainable urban planning.

The Vision Behind Central Vista's Overhaul

The inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan‑3 is a crucial component of the broader Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which seeks to redefine the spatial and symbolic core of Indian governance. The plan includes the already-inaugurated new Parliament building, the rejuvenation of Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), new residences for the Prime Minister and Vice President, the Executive Enclave, and a series of CCS buildings that will eventually house almost all central ministries. Once completed by 2026, the project will shift key government functions from the British-built North and South Blocks to the new Kartavya Bhavans. The old buildings, instead, are slated to be converted into national museums, preserving their heritage while repurposing their role in the nation’s capital.

Reimagining the Seat of Power

More than just a physical relocation, Kartavya Bhavan‑3 symbolizes a shift in how governance is envisioned in the 21st century. The name itself—‘Kartavya,’ meaning ‘duty’—reflects a deeper ideological transformation. It aims to reposition the narrative of power and governance from authority to service, from legacy to accountability. With technology-enabled workspaces, secure digital infrastructure, and built-in disaster resilience, the structure has been built to serve not just the present, but future generations of civil servants and public leaders. It offers a working environment conducive to faster decision-making, increased transparency, and citizen-centric governance.

Controversies and the Broader Conversation

Despite its scale and vision, the Central Vista project has not been free of controversy. Critics have raised concerns over the perceived lack of consultation, the timing during the pandemic years, and the project's impact on New Delhi’s architectural legacy. Some have argued that the plan prioritizes symbolism over public welfare. Nevertheless, the government has maintained that the overhaul was long overdue, citing infrastructure strain, outdated facilities, and inefficiency in the existing administrative spread. Supporters point to the use of made-in-India materials, cost-effective planning, and the creation of thousands of jobs during construction as strong counters to these criticisms.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

As Prime Minister Modi cuts the ribbon at Kartavya Bhavan‑3, India steps into a new era—one that is not just about constructing buildings but about reshaping the very ethos of governance. With its blend of tradition and technology, duty and discipline, Kartavya Bhavan‑3 is more than just a government complex; it is a physical embodiment of India’s aspirations as a 21st-century democracy. Whether seen as a bold leap forward or a moment of political rebranding, the building now stands on Kartavya Path as a national landmark of change, progress, and purpose.

(Sources: India Today, Hindustan Times, NDTV)