The Maharashtra government is likely to spend approximately Rs 181 crore on repairing and renovating the recently acquired 22-storey Air India building at Nariman Point in Mumbai. Officials stated that the work will take around six months to complete, after which state government offices will be relocated to the building.
Acquisition and structural audit
The state government had spent about Rs 1,601 crore to acquire the building. A structural audit conducted last week by the state public works department (PWD) revealed that the building requires significant repairs and renovation.
Tender process and scope of work
“Two separate tenders will be floated—for construction and electrification. The tender process is currently underway, and the building renovation work will be completed within six months. The construction work includes repairs to the building, interior work, getting new furniture, and undertaking painting, while the electrification work includes installation of new lifts and electrical equipment,” an official said.
Signage and branding changes
The state PWD recently inspected the building and installed a Maharashtra government signage board at the main entrance. Officials said the iconic Air India logo on top of the building will be removed later and replaced with a logo of the Maharashtra government, visible from a distance on Marine Drive.
Background of the acquisition
The state cabinet approved the plan to buy the building to expand Mantralaya and house state government offices in 2023. It decided to waive all unearned income and other penalties for Air India to facilitate the takeover. The building was taken over on June 2 this year, making 46,470 square meters of space available for government offices.
Cost savings and efficiency
Officials said the government will save around Rs 200 crore in annual rent if all offices currently housed in private buildings are moved to this structure. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the registration of the building agreement. “It will not only save rent but also bring offices together,” he told TOI.
