The iconic North and South blocks of Raisina Hill in New Delhi are set to undergo phased restoration under the ambitious Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum project. Once completed, this museum will be the largest in the world, with an area of ​​117,000 square meters and 950 rooms.

It will replace the National Museum of India as the country’s national museum and will be housed in the historic Secretariat buildings.

The project aims to preserve the almost century-old architectural heritage of these twin buildings while transforming them into a modern cultural repository.

Both structures, listed as Grade I heritage properties, have been key administrative centers since India’s independence.

A PHASED APPROACH TO RESTORATION

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is leading the restoration process, starting with the North Block.

The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), working under MoHUA, recently obtained approval from the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) for the project.

This approval follows detailed submissions answering questions from the panel at a meeting on October 24.

Restoration efforts will be carried out in stages. The block release schedule is being finalized, with modernization and renovation works commencing after the North block is cleared.

The HCC has set strict guidelines to preserve the original heritage character of the buildings.

This includes preserving their color, shape and materials, and avoiding external modifications such as heat-resistant paint on terraces.

Over the decades, the blocks have been partitioned internally to create additional office space. Currently, the Northern Block is home to key ministries including Interior, Finance and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

CULTURAL VISION FOR THE FUTURE

While the restoration progresses, the Ministry of Culture is working on organizing the exhibitions and designing the galleries of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum.

The National Museum Content Committee actively selects objects for display based on the themes and storyline of the museum.

The museum aims to blend India’s rich cultural heritage with modern design, creating a world-class destination for art and history enthusiasts.

With the CPWD focusing on structural longevity and the Ministry of Culture shaping the museum’s narrative, the project promises to showcase India’s architectural brilliance and historical treasures on an unprecedented scale.

This ambitious initiative aims to redefine cultural tourism in India while preserving the legacy of the historic monuments of Raisina Hill.