MUMBAI- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will shift his office to the former Air India (AI) headquarters at Nariman Point, Mumbai (BOM), after the state government acquired the landmark building to address office space shortages near Mantralaya.
The Maharashtra government plans to relocate several departments currently operating from rented offices into the former Air India (AI) tower near Mumbai (BOM), a move expected to reduce annual rental expenses by around Rs 200 crore while creating a centralized administrative complex.
Air India Headquarters to Become Maharashtra Government Complex
The Maharashtra government has begun preparations to transform the iconic Air India Building at Nariman Point into a major administrative hub after officially acquiring the property for Rs 1,601 crore.
The 23-storey sea-facing commercial tower was originally constructed in 1974 on reclaimed land owned by the Maharashtra government. For decades, it served as the corporate headquarters of Air India before the airline’s privatization.
Following Air India’s acquisition by the Tata Group, non-core assets, including the Nariman Point building, were transferred to Air India Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), making the property available for government acquisition.
The purchase addresses a long-standing office space shortage around Mantralaya, the Maharashtra state secretariat, which has been operating beyond its intended capacity for several years.
CM’s Office to Occupy the Top Floor
Under the proposed relocation plan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will establish his office on the building’s top floor.
The government also plans to build a new cabinet hall on the 22nd floor across an area measuring approximately 13,363 square feet. Senior officials are expected to review the final implementation strategy during a meeting chaired by the state’s Chief Secretary.
Besides the Chief Minister’s Office, multiple government departments currently functioning from leased commercial buildings across South Mumbai will gradually relocate to the new premises.
The consolidation of departments into a single government-owned facility is expected to improve administrative coordination while reducing dependence on rented office space.
Move Expected to Save Around Rs 200 Crore in Annual Rent
Mantralaya, originally built in 1955, has faced severe space constraints as government operations expanded over the decades.
To accommodate additional departments, the state currently leases nearly nine lakh square feet of office space in nearby commercial buildings.
By shifting these offices into the former Air India headquarters, Maharashtra expects to save approximately Rs 200 crore annually in rental expenses while bringing several departments under one roof.
The relocation also provides an opportunity to modernize government infrastructure without constructing an entirely new administrative complex in South Mumbai.
Building to Undergo Structural Audit and Modernization
Before government offices move into the building, authorities will carry out a comprehensive structural audit to ensure the property’s long-term safety and suitability.
Maharashtra Public Works Department Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale described the acquisition as an important milestone in strengthening the state’s administrative infrastructure.
According to the minister, the redevelopment will prioritize construction quality, sustainability, operational efficiency, and citizen convenience.
Officials have been instructed to undertake all necessary repair and refurbishment work, including upgrades to electrical systems, fittings, and technical infrastructure while maintaining high engineering standards.
Entrance Design to Reflect Maharashtra’s Heritage
The state government also plans architectural improvements that will give the building a distinct government identity.
Minister Bhosale has directed officials to redesign the main entrance to showcase Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Leading architects and specialized agencies may be involved to develop a design that balances modern functionality with the state’s architectural traditions.
The renovation aims to preserve one of Mumbai’s most recognizable commercial landmarks while adapting it into a modern government complex capable of supporting the state’s growing administrative needs.
With the acquisition complete and planning underway, the former Air India headquarters is set to begin a new chapter as the future administrative center of the Maharashtra government.
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