In a historic move marking the end of an era, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will shift out of the iconic South Block in Delhi after 78 years, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi relocating his official workspace to the newly constructed Seva Teerth complex on Friday.
Since India’s independence in 1947, South Block on Raisina Hill has been the nerve centre of governance, housing the PMO alongside key ministries such as defence and external affairs. Many landmark decisions that shaped the nation’s political and strategic trajectory were taken within its colonial-era sandstone walls.
The shift comes as part of the ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which aims to modernise government infrastructure and bring dispersed administrative bodies into integrated, purpose-built facilities.
What do we know about the Seva Teerth complex?
The Seva Teerth complex, located on Dara Shikoh Road, comprises three interconnected buildings. Seva Teerth-1 will house the Prime Minister’s Office, Seva Teerth-2 already accommodates the Cabinet Secretariat, and Seva Teerth-3 is designated for the National Security Council Secretariat and the office of the National Security Advisor.
Officials have said the new facility is designed to reflect India’s cultural ethos while incorporating modern architectural elements, advanced technology infrastructure, and functional office spaces. The open-floor layout and integrated design are expected to promote collaboration across departments, while dedicated conference areas like ‘India House’ are intended to streamline diplomatic engagements and high-level bilateral talks.
The decision to relocate the PMO also aligns with a broader symbolic shift in India’s governance narrative. The name ‘Seva Teerth’, which translates to ‘abode of service’, underscores a focus on citizen-centric administration. Alongside this change, other government sites have been renamed to emphasise service and public duty.
What will the South and North blocks be used for?
Once the PMO fully vacates South and North Blocks, both heritage structures will be repurposed into public museums under the name Yuge Yugeen Bharat Sangrahalaya, showcasing India’s civilisational history and preserving the legacy of the structures for future generations.