The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved ₹3,230 crore for the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum in New Delhi’s North Block and South Block. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2031.

The museum will showcase 10,000 years of India's civilisational history across the two heritage buildings, which served as the seat of the Union government for nearly a century. The project will involve the adaptive reuse of both structures while preserving their historical character.

In September, HT reported that the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had invited bids for a ₹735 crore civil works package. The project will cover approximately 1.92 million square feet across the two buildings.

The redevelopment plan includes visitor pavilions, conservation facilities, intermediate floors and public circulation areas. It also features glass-covered courtyards and glass ‘Peacock Pavilions’ at the visitor entrances. An underground service tunnel will connect the two buildings to enable the movement of artworks, equipment and utilities.

The tender states that all changes to the heritage structures must be sensitive, minimal and reversible. New additions must also avoid placing extra loads on the historic masonry.

The project follows the relocation of government offices from North Block and South Block under the Central Vista redevelopment plan. In February, the new executive enclave, Seva Teerth, began operations. It houses the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat and National Security Council Secretariat.

In April 2025, HT reported that CPWD had issued a ₹338 crore tender to renovate and repurpose North Block. The proposed work covered 76,196 square metres in North Block and 7,200 square metres in the adjoining service block. It included structural repairs, waterproofing, restoration, stonework and drainage upgrades.

India signed an agreement with France Museums Développement in December 2024 to secure technical cooperation for the museum project. The partnership covers expertise in heritage conservation and the adaptive reuse of the historic buildings.