Two of Madhya Pradesh's key administrative buildings in the capital, Bhopal—Satpura Bhawan and Vindhyachal Bhawan—are set to be demolished after repeated fire incidents have marred their reputations. The first to be brought down will be the approximately 40-year-old Satpura Bhawan, followed by Vindhyachal Bhawan. However, no action will be taken on Vindhyachal Bhawan until the demolition and reconstruction of Satpura Bhawan are fully completed.
A new, high-tech building will replace Satpura Bhawan, featuring nine floors (G+9). This new structure will be large enough to house all the employees and officers from Vindhyachal Bhawan as well. The construction is targeted to be completed within three and a quarter years, marking a significant upgrade to the state’s administrative infrastructure.
Plans for the New Building
The Public Works Department (PWD) has already prepared a preliminary proposal for this ambitious project. In the coming days, a detailed presentation will be made to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav for review. After receiving feedback from the Chief Minister, the proposal will be presented to the state Cabinet for approval.
The proposal outlines two construction options: a building with six floors (G+6) or a nine-floor (G+9) structure. The PWD has expressed a preference for the G+9 option, which would cost approximately Rs 875 crore, compared to Rs 760 crore for the G+6 building. For just Rs 125 crore more, the state can build three additional floors, allowing for greater capacity and utility in the long run.
Ensuring the New Building Doesn't Outshine the Mantralaya
One key factor influencing the design of the new building is the proximity to the Mantralaya, the state ministry. While the new administrative building will be substantial, there are concerns that its height should not exceed that of the Mantralaya, which houses the offices of the Chief Minister, Ministers, Chief Secretary, and other top officials. The Mantralaya is located on a higher elevation than Satpura and Vindhyachal Bhawan, so it is important to maintain the architectural dignity of the Mantralaya.
A final decision on the building's height will be made after careful discussions. If the nine-story structure is found to overshadow the Mantralaya in height, the state may opt for the six-floor design instead.
Enhanced Capacity and Facilities
The new building will significantly boost the capacity and facilities compared to the current Satpura Bhawan. While the old structure has a capacity for around 1,500 people and spans 37,000 square meters, the new building will cover 80,000 square meters—more than double the current area. This will allow the new facility to accommodate over 3,000 employees, vastly improving the state’s administrative capabilities.
The upcoming transformation of Satpura and Vindhyachal Bhawan is poised to enhance the efficiency and stature of Madhya Pradesh’s administrative operations, providing a modern, high-capacity workspace for state employees.
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