New Karnataka Bhavan inaugurated in Delhi by CM Siddaramaiah

New Delhi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the new Karnataka Bhavan building here on Wednesday, which witnessed massive cost run over and four-and-a-half-year delay, than the original plan.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other leaders were present in the event.

The construction of new Karnataka Bhavan (Cauvery) in upmarket Chanakyapuri was first received approval in 2019 at a cost of Rs 81 crore and the Bengaluru-based company bagged the tender at Rs 66.01 crore (excluding 14% GST).

As per the administrative order, the project was to be completed in two years in 2021. However, in 2020, the state government revised the project cost to Rs 120 crore, said the statement from the Public Works Department.

Finally, the project was completed in April 2025 and the final cost of the project was Rs 138 crore, including room interiors and furniture, said the statement.

Defending the cost escalation, Delhi Special Representative T B Jayachandra said due to Covid-19 and ban on construction during winter season led to delay in completion of the project.

The state government in 2019 decided to build a new Bhavan by demolishing a 50-year-old building, as it was declared unsafe by the New Delhi Municipal Council. The new Bhavan has exclusive suites for the Governor, the chief minister, the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court and other VVIPS.

(With DHNS and agency inputs)