The Delhi government is preparing to convert the Civil Lines residence formerly occupied by ex-Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal into a state guest house, according to officials familiar with the matter. The proposal, once approved, will give the property a new purpose — serving as an official accommodation for visiting dignitaries and senior officials attending government meetings and workshops in the capital.
What the Delhi Government Is Planning
The property in question, Bungalow No. 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines, is currently maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD). The new plan envisions transforming it into a Delhi State Guest House, complete with modern amenities and functional public spaces.
According to the proposal, the guest house will include:
- A public cafeteria for visitors and staff.
- A waiting hall for official guests.
- A dedicated parking area for vehicles.
Officials have stated that the move is part of a broader effort to optimize the use of government properties and reduce the capital’s dependence on rented spaces for official functions and inter-state delegations.
The plan has reportedly received departmental-level approval and is now awaiting clearance from higher authorities before construction and redesign work can begin.
The Property’s Background
The Flagstaff Road bungalow was occupied by Arvind Kejriwal during his tenure as Delhi’s Chief Minister. The property gained widespread media attention after opposition parties raised questions about the cost and scale of its renovation in 2022–23.
The BJP had dubbed the residence “Sheesh Mahal” — a reference to its expensive renovation, which they claimed ran into several crores of rupees. The Delhi government had defended the expenditure, saying the renovation followed due process and was necessary given the property’s age and structural condition.
Investigations and Controversies
The bungalow’s renovation later became the subject of formal investigations:
- In 2022, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena ordered a vigilance inquiry into alleged irregularities and cost escalation in the PWD’s renovation project.
- In 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a preliminary inquiry based on a complaint filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta, who alleged misuse of public funds.
As of now, both inquiries remain ongoing, and no final findings have been made public.
Despite the controversy, officials maintain that the new proposal for converting the bungalow into a guest house is a practical decision that will put the asset to productive use rather than leaving it underutilized.
Current Status and Maintenance
PWD officials have confirmed that around 10 maintenance staff continue to look after the property for cleaning, electrical checks, and general upkeep. The bungalow remains structurally sound, with sufficient space to accommodate new facilities under the proposed design.
If approved, the redevelopment will include refurbishment of interiors, creation of a reception and meeting area, and provision for guest suites similar to those found in other state bhawans across Delhi.
Why This Move Matters
For the Delhi government, converting the former CM residence into a guest house serves both functional and symbolic purposes:
- Functional, because it provides a centrally located space to host visiting officials and delegations, reducing reliance on hotel stays and private venues.
- Symbolic, because it signals an effort to repurpose a politically controversial property into a public utility space.
Urban governance analysts say the move could also help neutralize political criticism surrounding the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy by transforming the property into an asset that directly benefits government functioning.
What Happens Next
Once the plan receives final administrative approval, PWD will initiate tendering for renovation and furnishing. The timeline for completion has not been officially stated, but officials expect work to begin within the current fiscal year.
If executed as proposed, the new guest house could serve as an official venue for government meetings, training workshops, and visiting state delegations — effectively giving one of Delhi’s most talked-about addresses a new identity.