Army HQ to shift to Delhi Cantt

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 20

For the first time since the British made New Delhi their capital, Army’s main working offices, including the “operations room”, would be located outside the Lutyens zone — the coveted piece of real estate that houses the seat of power of the Government of India.

In 1911, the British shifted the capital from Kolkata to Delhi and the Army Headquarters located at Fort William were moved along with it.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lay the foundation stone for the new complex located in Delhi Cantonment tomorrow. The new building will be located along the Parade Road in the cantonment and will be just 3 km away from Dhaula Kuan on the Delhi-Gurgaon road.

With new road connectivity, traffic jams are a thing of the past. Most residential accommodation for middle-level officers is located closer to the new building, making travel easier.

At present, the Army Chief and senior-most top brass are located in South Block, while their support and other offices are at Sena Bhawan located behind South Block and six other locations.

Once the new building comes up, the Army Chief and few senior-most officers would be seated close to where the Central Government would build its offices under the new plan for the Central Vista. Key officials like the DGMO would be at the new location.

A total of 6,014 offices will be constructed, which will have offices for 1,684 officers, both military and civilians, and 4,330 subordinate staff.

Ddefence minister to lay stone today

Called ‘Thal Sena Bhawan’, the proposed building is to be constructed at Delhi Cantonment opposite Manekshaw Centre over 39 acres. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lay the foundation stone for the new complex