Cabinet approves Development of Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at North and South Block Complex, New Delhi
PIB National (English) · Published 11 November 2026 · Last updated
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the ₹3,230 crore Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum project at the North and South Block Complex in New Delhi.
Key points
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum on 11 November 2026.
- The estimated total project cost is ₹3,230 crore, as appraised by the Public Investment Board on 27 July 2026.
- The museum will be developed through the adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Block Complex in New Delhi.
- The project covers a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 square metres.
- Implementation will take place in a phased manner over FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
- The first inaugural gallery focusing on Adornment is expected to open in the North Block in the later part of 2027.
- Around 1.8 Million objects have been identified from the National Museum, other Ministry of Culture Museums, 52 ASI site museums, and various state and private collections for display.
- The museum is equipped to handle an annual visitor flow of 1 crore visitors and will feature the largest display area in the world when benchmarked against major international museums.
Background
- The establishment of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum was announced by the Prime Minister on 18 May 2023.
- The historic North and South Block buildings became available for adaptive reuse following the relocation of government offices.
- The proposal underwent formal appraisal by the Public Investment Board on 27 July 2026, following which the Ministry of Culture concurred with its recommendations.
Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.
Original report: PIB National (English)