Initial British Delhi

On the proclamation of change of the Capital from Calcutta to Delhi in December 1911, it became necessary to organise a Public Works Department exclusively for buildings the new capital.

A committee of Experts was appointed by the Secretary of State to advise the Government with regard to the site of the new Capital and its layout. Sir Edvin Lutyens an eminent and world famous Architect, was chosen to be the Architect and Designer of the new capital city. After approval of the plans, the charge of execution of the work was entrusted to imperial Delhi Committee, which has Chief Commissioner of Delhi as President and Chief Engineer as Engineer-Member.

The first estimate of Project as framed by them was for Rs.1050 lakhs. It was taken up for execution in December, 1913. The Works of the Capital Project were, however, held up consequent to First World war in 1914 and the tempo slowed down. From 1914-15 to 1919-20 the expenditure varied between Rs.39 to 54 lakhs per year. The tempo of the works increased in year 1920-21 onwards and the estimate was revised to Rs.1307 lakhs.