Lutyens bungalow zone renovation costs hit record Rs 92 crore

The Indian government spent a record Rs 92.35 crore on the renovation, repair, and furnishing of official residences for Union ministers in Delhi’s Lutyens bungalow zone during the 2025-26 fiscal year. This figure is more than three times the Rs 27.47 crore spent in 2014-15.

Between 2014-15 and 2025-26, total expenditure through the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) reached Rs 547.68 crore. Officials attributed the rising costs to inflation and the maintenance of aging structures, some of which are between 80 and 100 years old. Reported issues include seepage, termite infestations, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems.

The Lutyens bungalow zone, originally developed between 1912 and 1930, houses Union ministers, members of Parliament, senior judges, and top military officers. While the expenditure for ministers is documented, the CPWD did not provide specific data regarding the residences of MPs who are not ministers or the official offices of Union ministers.