Record ₹92 Crore Spent on Lutyens' Delhi Minister Bungalows Upkeep!
Record ₹92 Crore Spent on Lutyens' Delhi Minister Bungalows Upkeep!
Exclusive RTI reveals upkeep for Lutyens' Delhi bungalows for Union Ministers hit a record ₹92.35 crore in 2025-26. Dive into the spiraling costs of these century-old homes and what it means for taxpayers.
The iconic Lutyens' Delhi bungalows, homes to Union Ministers, are getting pricier to maintain. An RTI query has revealed that the annual expenditure on their renovation, furnishing, and repair soared to a record ₹92.35 crore in 2025-26. This figure is more than triple the ₹27.47 crore spent in 2014-15, highlighting a significant increase in maintenance costs over the past decade.
Between 2014-15 and 2025-26, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), responsible for these works, spent a staggering ₹547.68 crore on these properties. Officials attribute this surge to various factors, including persistent inflation and the natural wear and tear on structures that are nearly a century old. Many of these bungalows, developed between 1912 and 1930, were originally built as part of New Delhi's design as the imperial capital and later adapted for senior government functionaries post-Independence.
CPWD officials have frequently pointed to the complex challenges involved in maintaining these grand, aged properties. Issues such as persistent seepage, termite infestations, outdated electrical systems, and plumbing problems are common, demanding extensive and costly repairs. There have even been unannounced discussions in the past about the possibility of demolishing and rebuilding some of the more dilapidated structures. As one official noted, "These are mostly 80-90-100-year-old bungalows. Some, though not all, had even become structurally unsafe and needed to be upgraded."
Beyond Union Ministers, these sprawling bungalows also house Members of Parliament, senior judges, and top military officers. While the residents change, the fundamental design and architectural grandeur, envisioned by architects like Edwin Lutyens (who designed the official bungalows within the President's Estate), largely remain. However, the escalating costs raise questions about the long-term sustainability and economic efficiency of maintaining these historical, yet demanding, residences. The data certainly paints a clear picture of the growing financial burden associated with preserving this unique architectural legacy in the heart of the capital.
