Guest House – Delhi Plans Commercial Use for Former CM’s Flagstaff Road Residence
Guest House – The Delhi government is considering a proposal to convert bungalow No. 6 on Flagstaff Road, the former official residence of ex-chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, into a government guest house that could also generate revenue. Officials are examining the possibility of appointing a well-known private hospitality company to oversee the property’s operations and maintenance. The residence has remained vacant for some time, and the administration is now exploring ways to make productive use of the premises.
Plan to Improve Utilisation of the Property
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the government is assessing different options for operating the property efficiently. According to him, discussions include bringing in an experienced hospitality operator to manage the guest house while ensuring quality services. The arrangement is expected to help maintain the property and create an additional source of income for the Delhi government.
The proposed guest house would function in a manner similar to other state-run accommodation facilities, where ministers, senior government officials, and visiting dignitaries can stay by paying the prescribed charges.
Camp Office May Be Repurposed
Officials also intend to complete and utilise the unfinished section of the camp office located within the bungalow complex. The government is evaluating plans to convert part of the building into a venue suitable for official meetings, seminars, conferences, and formal dinners.
According to the minister, such a facility would reduce the need for government departments to hire private hotels or commercial venues for official programmes. The proposal is still under consideration, and final approval from the competent authorities is yet to be granted.
Property Continues to Be Maintained
Although the bungalow is not currently in use, routine maintenance continues on the premises. Around ten staff members have been assigned to keep the property in working condition. Their responsibilities include daily cleaning, general upkeep, and operating electrical equipment such as air conditioners and refrigerators to ensure the building remains functional.
Officials believe that regular maintenance will help preserve the property’s condition until a final decision on its future use is implemented.
Several Options Examined in Recent Months
Over the past several months, the Delhi government has explored multiple possibilities for repurposing the former chief minister’s residence. The objective has been to identify a practical and sustainable use for the property after it became vacant.
The bungalow has attracted significant public attention in recent years because of allegations surrounding its renovation during Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister. Those issues have remained part of the broader discussion regarding the property’s future.
Renovation Controversy Remains Part of Background
In 2022, the Delhi government’s vigilance department initiated an inquiry following directions issued by former Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena. The investigation was ordered to examine allegations related to irregularities and an increase in the renovation costs incurred by the Public Works Department during the redevelopment of the residence.
The renovation project later became a major political issue, with the Bharatiya Janata Party referring to the bungalow as “Sheesh Mahal” while criticising what it described as an unusually lavish renovation. The proposed conversion of the property into a government guest house marks another step in the administration’s efforts to determine its long-term role within the state’s public infrastructure.