After 78 Years, the Prime Minister’s Office Shifts — Here’s Why South Block Is Being Left Behind

A historic change is about to take place in the power corridors of Lutyens’ Delhi. After 78 years, the address of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will change. The PMO is set to shift from South Block to the newly built Executive Enclave, which is expected to become operational from next month.

South Block and North Block Built During British Rule

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The South Block and North Block buildings were constructed during the British era, before India’s independence. Over the years, these old structures have faced space constraints and lack modern facilities. To address this, the central government initiated the construction of new, state-of-the-art administrative buildings. The Executive Enclave, located not far from South Block, has now been completed.

The new building will house not only the Prime Minister’s Office but also the Cabinet Secretariat, the National Security Council Secretariat, and advanced conferencing facilities.

Why the Shift Was Necessary

The South Block and North Block offices, built over a century ago, suffer from limited space, inadequate light and ventilation, and insufficient modern infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously highlighted that important ministries such as the Home Ministry have functioned for nearly 100 years from these old buildings, despite a lack of resources.

As India emerges as a major economic power, the need for new, well-equipped administrative spaces that reflect the identity of modern India has grown stronger. The new Executive Enclave fulfills this requirement while also being located closer to the Prime Minister’s residence, ensuring greater efficiency and security.

A New Identity for the New PMO

The government believes that the new office should not just have a new building but also a new vision. Discussions are underway to give the PMO a fresh name that embodies the spirit of service. During his third term, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the PMO should not be seen as "Modi’s office" but as the people’s office — a place dedicated to public service. Hence, the concept of a “People’s PMO” may be adopted with this move.

What Will Happen to the Old Buildings?

The historic South Block and North Block will not go to waste. Instead, they will be converted into a grand public museum named “Yuge Yugin Bharat Museum.” A collaboration agreement has already been signed between the National Museum of India and the French Museum Development authorities.

This museum will showcase India’s culture, heritage, and history, connecting citizens with the nation’s glorious past, vibrant present, and promising future.