An RTI filing reveals that the Union ministers’ official residences in Lutyens’ Delhi incurred a historic ₹92 crore repair bill for the fiscal year 2025‑26. Major issues cited include water seepage, termite infestation and aging structural wear.

  • ₹92 crore spent in FY 2025‑26
  • Water seepage and termite damage are primary causes
  • Ageing heritage bungalows drive up maintenance costs

The latest Right‑to‑Information (RTI) response from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs confirms that the Union ministers’ bungalows in Lutyens’ Delhi saw a record‑high expenditure of ₹92 crore for repairs during the 2025‑26 financial year. This figure dwarfs the average spend of the previous five years, which hovered around ₹15‑20 crore annually.

According to the disclosed documents, the bulk of the outlay was directed toward fixing pervasive water seepage, extensive termite infestation, and deteriorating structural components such as roofs and foundations. These heritage properties, many of which have housed ministers for decades, have gradually become vulnerable to climate‑induced wear and tear.

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Lutyens’ Delhi’s bungalows were originally built in the 1920s‑30s under British rule and are now classified as heritage assets. Their age, combined with the need for modern security upgrades, has made routine upkeep increasingly expensive. The 2025‑26 repair bill reflects not only the physical deterioration but also the rising standards for official residences.

Historically, the annual maintenance budget for these bungalows rose from roughly ₹15 crore in 2010‑15 to about ₹48 crore in 2020‑21. The sudden jump to ₹92 crore marks an unprecedented surge, prompting questions about budgeting, transparency, and the long‑term sustainability of preserving colonial‑era structures for contemporary use.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the soaring upkeep costs reflect broader challenges in managing heritage properties while meeting modern security and comfort standards. The fiscal impact may prompt a review of budget allocations for official residences and could spark debates on transparency and cost‑effectiveness in public spending.

"If these bungalows are not properly retrofitted, both security and cultural heritage could be compromised," says real‑estate analyst Dr. Anjali Mehta.
Did You Know?: Some of the Lutyens’ bungalows have been continuously occupied by three successive generations of ministers since independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Did every Union minister’s bungalow incur the same repair cost?

Answer: No, costs varied depending on the specific condition, location, and severity of required repairs for each property.

Question 2: Can future repair bills be reduced?

Answer: Experts believe that proactive structural reinforcement and a systematic preventive‑maintenance schedule could significantly lower future expenditures.