The Public Works Department (PWD) has received bids from three architects—P K Das, Abha Lambah and Raja Aederi-for the proposed redevelopment of Mantralaya building, the administrative headquarters of Maharashtra, which includes the annexe building, ministers’ bungalows, staff quarters and surrounding gardens, covering a total area of 55,000 square metres. According to the official from the PWD, the project's nodal agency, these three architects will give presentation next week and thereafter it will be tabled in the ministry office for further approval. The state government will carry out the redevelopment of the area, which would be called the Mahavista, on the lines of the Central Vista. The redevelopment of Mantrayala project will benefit from a Floor Space Index (FSI) of five and an additional 35 per cent fungible FSI. FSI is the ratio of a building’s total floor area to the size of the plot of land it is built on. Fungible FSI is the additional floor area constructed by a developer beyond the permissible FSI limit without violating rules. The Mantralaya building, which is approximately 60 years old, has been marked for redevelopment due to space constraints and its deteriorating condition. Over the years, only cosmetic changes have been made to the offices of ministers and bureaucrats, with no significant civil renovations undertaken. To encourage participation, the PWD offered a prize for the best redevelopment plan, which a committee of experts will select. The Mantralaya building itself occupies around 26,000 square metres, while the total redevelopment area, including the annexe building, 22 ministers’ bungalows, staff quarters, and the garden, spans 55,000 square metres. As this is a landmark project, the PWD has invited even global participants to submit proposals. The Mantralaya currently accommodates nearly 47 departments, along with several smaller divisions, making this redevelopment crucial for the state's administrative functions.
