Central Secretariat Delhi – Heart of India's Government

The Central Secretariat is the seat of the Government of India, comprising the two symmetrical buildings — the North Block and the South Block — that flank Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) near India Gate. Designed by British architect Herbert Baker, these imposing sandstone buildings were completed in 1930 and house the most important offices of India's executive branch.

The South Block is home to the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of External Affairs. The North Block houses the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The buildings are not open to the public, but they are a magnificent sight along the ceremonial boulevard from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Location: Raisina Hill, Near India Gate, New Delhi – 110001

The Central Secretariat buildings are a key part of Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker's grand vision for the new imperial capital of India. The two buildings are identical mirror images, their colonnaded facades facing each other across the broad ceremonial axis of Rajpath.

While public entry is restricted, the exterior of the buildings is visible from the road and metro. The Central Secretariat metro station on the Yellow and Violet Lines is a busy interchange, and the surrounding area — with views of India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House — is ideal for sightseeing walks.