Delhi plans to replace 34 government school buildings over safety concerns

Thirty-four Delhi government school buildings have been marked for demolition after assessments found safety, waterlogging and site-suitability concerns at some campuses.

The Delhi government is also planning 27 new school buildings on vacant plots, at an estimated cost of about ₹900 crore. The sites have been grouped into five clusters spanning areas including Narela, Bawana, Rohini, Mundka, Shalimar Bagh, Kapashera and Asola, with construction expected to take 18 months.

Work is underway in 16 of the identified demolition cases, while nine have received approval. The Directorate of Education has invited bids from central public sector undertakings to serve as project-management consultant and EPC agency for the new schools.

The plans follow digital profiling of all 1,090 government schools. Teams recorded classroom-level assets, including drinking water, electricity, security, furniture, kitchens, laboratories and digital facilities. Each room was documented with 360-degree imaging, while drone surveys, GIS visualisation and structural tests will help decide whether other buildings should be retained, repaired, retrofitted or demolished.