Delhi, India – In a major step towards modernising the administrative setup of the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kartavya Bhawan on Wednesday—marking the first secretariat building completed under the ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project. This newly built ministerial headquarters, located in the heart of Delhi, stands as a symbol of the government’s vision to streamline governance through technology, security, and sustainability.
Kartavya Bhawan, previously referred to as the Common Central Secretariat-1, is not just a new office space—it’s a smart, secure, and efficient administrative hub. One of the most groundbreaking features of the building is the implementation of smart ID cards for access. Unlike traditional buildings where entry is manually managed, Kartavya Bhawan has deployed an automated identity-based control system, enabling only authorised personnel to gain access. Each official and employee working here will be issued a smart card, which will also be used for internal movement within designated zones.
This digital upgrade represents a clear shift in how the corridors of power are protected and managed. Alongside access control, the entire campus is under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, making it one of the most secure government buildings in India. The use of smart surveillance, facial recognition cameras, and real-time monitoring also ensures that the movement of staff and visitors is recorded for accountability and emergency response.
Beyond security, Kartavya Bhawan has been designed keeping in mind the future of governance. With over 7,000 employees from multiple ministries expected to work under one roof, the building enhances inter-ministerial coordination and reduces redundancy in infrastructure. This centralisation is expected to cut down travel time between departments, optimise workflow, and enable better communication among bureaucrats.
Another key aspect of Kartavya Bhawan is its eco-conscious design. The building is constructed using green materials, has energy-efficient systems, and meets the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Features like rainwater harvesting, solar power integration, and centralised waste management reflect the government’s push towards a greener future.
The inauguration of Kartavya Bhawan is just the beginning. This is the first of 10 such secretariat buildings planned under the Central Vista project, which aims to rebuild the power centre of India. The complete vision includes a new Parliament House (already operational), residences for the Prime Minister and Vice President, and multiple government offices in one unified ecosystem.
Kartavya Bhawan also redefines the idea of workspace for government employees. With modern interiors, ergonomic furniture, high-speed internet, and collaborative meeting spaces, the structure promotes productivity and comfort. The building also includes facilities like conference halls, cafeterias, meditation rooms, and a health centre, ensuring a well-rounded workplace for its occupants.
Importantly, this new infrastructure is built with a sense of national pride and symbolism. The very name “Kartavya Bhawan” – meaning “Duty Building” – reflects the ethos of public service and the government’s commitment to responsibility, transparency, and nation-building.
As India embraces a new era of digital-first governance, the inauguration of Kartavya Bhawan in Delhi stands as a historic milestone. It’s not just a building—it’s a blueprint for how modern India will be governed: smart, sustainable, and secure.
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