The Maharashtra government is preparing to shift the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) from Mantralaya to the iconic Air India building at Nariman Point, marking a significant administrative reorganisation in South Mumbai.

The relocation follows the state's purchase of the 23-storey commercial tower last month for ₹1,601 crore. The acquisition was aimed at addressing the growing shortage of office space around Mantralaya and reducing the government's dependence on rented premises.

Along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's office, several government departments currently functioning from buildings outside Mantralaya will also be moved to the newly acquired property.

Officials estimate that consolidating these offices at a single location could save the state government nearly ₹200 crore annually in rental costs.

New Administrative Hub Planned

Mantralaya, the state's administrative headquarters since 1955, has struggled to accommodate the expanding government workforce, forcing authorities to lease around nine lakh square feet of office space across nearby commercial buildings.

Under the proposed plan, the Chief Minister's Office will occupy the top floor of the Air India building, while a new Cabinet meeting hall will be developed on the 22nd floor across an area of approximately 13,363 square feet.

A high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary is scheduled to assess the progress of the relocation and finalise implementation plans.

Landmark Building to Be Modernised

The sea-facing Air India building was constructed in 1974 on reclaimed land owned by the Maharashtra government and became one of Mumbai's most recognisable commercial landmarks.

Following Air India's privatisation and takeover by the Tata Group, ownership of several non-core assets, including the Nariman Point property, was transferred to Air India Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), before the state government acquired the building.

Public Works Department Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale described the transfer as a significant step towards strengthening Maharashtra's administrative infrastructure.

He said the building would be redeveloped into a modern government complex with emphasis on quality construction, environmental sustainability and improved public accessibility.

After the ownership transfer, Bhosale instructed officials to carry out a detailed structural assessment and complete all essential repair and renovation work before government offices begin shifting into the premises.

He also directed that refurbishment work should meet high technical standards, covering electrical systems, fittings and other infrastructure, while ensuring long-term durability.

The minister further suggested redesigning the building's main entrance to reflect Maharashtra's cultural heritage and recommended involving leading architects and specialist agencies in the redevelopment process.

Once completed, the project is expected to create a centralised administrative hub for the state government while easing pressure on the ageing Mantralaya complex.