A recent RTI disclosure has revealed that maintenance and renovation costs for Union Ministers' residences in Lutyens' Delhi have hit a record high of ₹92.35 crore in 2025-26.
- Maintenance costs for ministerial bungalows reached ₹92.35 crore in FY 2025-26.
- Spending has more than tripled since 2014-15.
- Total expenditure by CPWD since 2014 stands at ₹547.68 crore.
- Rising inflation and aging infrastructure are cited as primary causes.
The maintenance and renovation of official residences for Union Ministers in the prestigious Lutyens' Bungalow Zone of Delhi have seen an unprecedented spike in expenditure. According to data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, the cost for repairs, decoration, and upkeep in the 2025-26 fiscal year reached a record ₹92.35 crore.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which manages these high-profile properties, reported that the spending in 2014-15 was merely ₹27.47 crore. This marks a more than threefold increase in annual expenditure over the last decade. Between 2014-15 and 2025-26, the cumulative amount spent on these bungalows has climbed to a staggering ₹547.68 crore.
Why Spending is Escalating
The surge in costs is attributed to a combination of rising inflation and the increasing complexity of maintaining century-old colonial structures. CPWD officials have highlighted several structural issues, including dampness, termite infestations, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems that require frequent and costly interventions.
Maintaining century-old colonial structures to modern standards is both a structural challenge and a massive financial burden.
BozokMedia analysis shows that as these bungalows age, the necessity for structural upgrades becomes more pressing. Many of these buildings, constructed between 1912 and 1930, are reaching a stage where simple repairs are no longer sufficient, necessitating more expensive renovation projects.
Historical Context of Lutyens' Zone
The Lutyens' Bungalow Zone was developed during the British Raj to establish New Delhi as the capital of the Empire. While named after architect Edwin Lutyens, historians note that many of the bungalows were actually designed by PWD architects. Today, these residences house not only Union Ministers but also Members of Parliament, senior judges, and top military officials.
| Financial Year | Total Expenditure (in ₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 27.47 |
| 2019-20 | 26.37 |
| 2022-23 | 73.86 |
| 2024-25 | 71.98 |
| 2025-26 | 92.35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which department is responsible for the maintenance of these bungalows?
A: The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is responsible for all repairs and upkeep.
Q2: What is the average cost per minister?
A: Based on the 2025-26 figures, the average expenditure per minister is approximately ₹1.2 crore.
