Air India building: Quality repairs, public convenience to be top priority, says Maha PWD Minister
Mumbai, June 3
Following the transfer of the historic Air India Building at Nariman Point, Mumbai, to the Government of Maharashtra, Public Works Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale on Wednesday conducted an on-site inspection of the premises and issued necessary instructions to officials for an structural audit.
Minister Bhosale directed that a comprehensive structural audit of the building be carried out before shifting government offices there.
He further instructed that interior development and renovation works should commence only after all essential structural repairs are completed.
Emphasising that no compromise should be made on quality, he directed officials to undertake all repair and renovation works with a focus on long-term durability. He also stressed the use of high-quality materials for electrical systems, fittings, and other technical infrastructure.
The Minister instructed that the main entrance and facade of the building be redesigned and beautified in a manner befitting Maharashtra's rich heritage and prestige. He also suggested seeking guidance from renowned architects and expert institutions across the country for the project.
Highlighting that the safety, convenience, and accessibility of citizens visiting Mumbai for government-related work remain the administration's highest priority, Minister Bhosale directed officials to complete all works within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
The Maharashtra Cabinet had approved the acquisition of the strategically-located building on September 8, 2023. Following the completion of all administrative procedures, the State Government acquired the property from Air India Asset Holding Limited (AIAHL) for Rs 1,601 crore.
The Public Works Department has completed the required financial formalities, and the building was officially taken over by the Government of Maharashtra on June 2, 2026.
The Minister also directed officials to ensure the immediate grant of all necessary administrative approvals for repair and renovation works.
The historic building is expected to provide spacious, modern, and well-equipped office space for various government departments, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency.
Bhosale said, "The transfer of the Air India Building to the Government of Maharashtra marks a significant milestone in strengthening the State's administrative infrastructure. With a strong focus on quality repairs, long-term sustainability, and public convenience, this iconic structure will be developed into a model government complex."
As the agreement was signed and the building transferred, the state government plans to complete internal renovations, making it ready for use within a year. Subsequently, several government offices-many of which currently operate out of rented premises-will be relocated here.
Following a major fire at the Maharashtra Mantralaya complex in 2012, a number of state government offices and departments were scattered across different areas of the city, some of which are far from the state secretariat and the state government has been paying hefty rent for these offices.
With the acquisition of the Air India building, around 46,470 square metres of space will be available to the state government in close proximity to the Mantralaya.
In March 2024, the Centre had approved the sale of the iconic Air India building in Mumbai to the Maharashtra government for Rs 1,601 crore. The building, a well-known landmark in the high-profile Nariman Point area of India's financial capital, was not part of Air India's privatisation plan. The state government, facing a space crunch at the Mantralaya and its annexe, plans to move some of its offices to the 23-storey sea-facing building.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Rs 1,601 crore for a building that needs major structural repairs? That's a lot of taxpayer money. I hope the renovation doesn't become another cost-overrun disaster like some other government projects. The minister's focus on quality is good, but let's see the budget and timeline first.
This is a smart move. After the 2012 Mantralaya fire, many offices were scattered and paying rent in South Mumbai - which is crazy expensive. Having 46,470 sq metres near Mantralaya will save crores in rent over time. Just hope they finish the renovation within a year as promised.
I'm an architect based in Mumbai. The Air India Building has amazing Art Deco elements that should be preserved. Glad to hear they're consulting experts - hope they include heritage conservationists too. A model government complex with good public amenities would be great for citizens who have to run around for paperwork.
Main entrance and facade beautification sounds nice, but I hope they focus equally on making it accessible for persons with disabilities. Ramps, lifts, tactile paths - these are essential, not optional. 'Public convenience' should mean everyone, not just able-bodied visitors.
Good to see the state government investing in infrastructure rather than just renting expensive offices. The sea-facing view from Nariman Point will be a bonus for government employees! 😄 Just hope the structural audit is thorough - that building is decades old and near the coast.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.