Two dozen ACs, 39 fans and 115 lamps: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's official residence to get Rs 60-lakh makeover

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s new official residence at Bungalow Number 1 on Raj Niwas Marg is set to undergo a major renovation beginning early July, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Citing a tender issued by the Public Works Department (PWD) on June 28, the report stated that the first phase of the revamp will focus on upgrading electrical fixtures, with further civil works and modifications to the adjoining camp office to be taken up in separate tenders. The initial renovation is estimated to cost Rs 60 lakh and is to be completed within 60 days.

The proposed electrical overhaul includes additional 14 air conditioners, 10 LED flood lights, three large chandeliers, wall-mounted illumination fixtures, and an electric chimney. In total, 80 electrical points will be rewired, and installations will include 23 energy-efficient ceiling fans, 16 wall fans, and 24 two-tonne ACs. According to the PWD tender, the cost of air-conditioning alone will amount to Rs 11,11,342.

Lamps, lanterns and lights: A look at residence's decor

The Hindustan Times report further noted that lighting fixtures, including 115 sets of lamps and decorative elements like brass and glass lanterns, will be installed. The tender document described one of the lantern wall lights as “the epitome of timeless elegance,” crafted with “classic brass” and “delicate glass panels.”

The entrance and drawing room areas will feature a large brass-frame chandelier with six LED bulbs, along with two smaller chandeliers described in the tender as casting a “warm and inviting glow.”

Kitchen upgrades listed in the tender include a gas hob with electromagnetic burners, a 20-litre microwave, a toast grill with LCD display, a water purifier, and an electric chimney. Additional appliances include six geysers, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a 50-litre-per-hour capacity RO plant.

The bungalow will also be equipped with five 4K Ultra HD smart LED televisions—four 55-inch units and one 65-inch screen—as well as a surveillance system with 14 CCTV cameras, an intercom system, and outdoor lighting enhancements.

The PWD had allotted Bungalows 1 and 2 on Raj Niwas Marg to the Chief Minister. While Bungalow 1 will serve as Gupta’s residence, Bungalow 2 will function as her camp office for public meetings. Future civil works include structural modifications, painting, new pipelines, and a connecting passage between the two bungalows, according to PWD officials quoted by HT.

The property, a Type VII government house, includes four bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a drawing room, visitors’ hall, servant’s quarters, kitchen, front lawn, and backyard. The residence was previously used as part of the L-G Secretariat and is now being modified to make it suitable for residential use.

Gupta, who currently resides in her private home in Shalimar Bagh, has previously stated she would not move into her predecessor’s residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, which she had referred to as a “symbol of corruption” under the former Aam Aadmi Party administration. The opposition had criticised the previous CM’s residence as “Sheesh Mahal” after reports emerged that Rs 33.66 crore had been spent on renovations.