J&K to Expand Official Accommodation Network across India
New Bhawans Planned in Delhi, Mumbai
UT to redevelop heritage Prithviraj Road complex
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an ambitious plan to strengthen its official accommodation infrastructure across major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar and Chandigarh, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Friday.
Replying to a starred question by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, the government said it intends to augment accommodation facilities on land and assets belonging to the Union Territory at multiple locations across the country, subject to statutory approvals and site conditions.
At J&K House, 5 Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, the government has taken up redevelopment, renovation and up-gradation of the existing complex. However, the project faces strict heritage and zoning restrictions as the property falls within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ). The main building has been declared a heritage structure and cannot be altered, while new construction would require approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The government said several existing structures — including staff quarters, a PWD office and other buildings located close to the boundary wall — may have to be demolished once approvals are obtained. Any new construction within the premises will also have to remain within the prescribed height limits set for heritage structures. Drafting of the Expression of Interest (EoI) for execution of the project is at an advanced stage.
At Chanakyapuri in New Delhi, the government clarified that construction of additional structures is not feasible due to space constraints, though existing facilities have been upgraded.
For Kashmir House at Rajaji Marg, which also falls within the LBZ area, only redevelopment and up-gradation are permissible. Reconstruction of staff accommodation is currently being undertaken in phases.
The government has proposed construction of a new Jammu and Kashmir House at Dwarka in Delhi on already acquired land. Various execution models, including CPWD, EPC and PSU modes, are under examination and a comprehensive proposal is being prepared.
Similarly, at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, a detailed project report (DPR) is being formulated for construction of a full-fledged J&K Bhawan.
In Amritsar, construction of additional structures on available vacant land is under consideration, while in Chandigarh the conversion of an existing SCO building into a Jammu and Kashmir House has already commenced.
The Assembly was informed that the projects will be executed in phases after statutory clearances, finalisation of DPRs and appointment of executing agencies.
The government has earmarked substantial funds for the initiative in the financial year 2025-26. Allocations include Rs 12.5 crore for Prithviraj Road redevelopment, Rs 23 crore for Chanakyapuri and Rajaji Marg works, about Rs 20.9 crore for Dwarka, Rs 1.25 crore for Mumbai, Rs 2.5 crore for Amritsar and Rs 6.4 crore for Chandigarh works, taking the total allocation to over Rs 36 crore approximately.
The government said the expansion of accommodation facilities is aimed at improving lodging arrangements for government officials, patients, students and residents of Jammu and Kashmir visiting these cities for official, medical and educational purposes.
