Dwarka Police Housing Complex: A Decaying Structure 3 Years After Inauguration
A nine-storey police housing complex in Dwarka, Delhi, has been declared structurally unsafe just three years after its launch, raising concerns about construction quality and accountability.
Delhi PoliceHousing ComplexStructural FlawsRitesIitdelhiReal Estate NewsOct 26, 2025
The police housing complex in Sector 19 was approved in 2010 and constructed at a staggering cost of over ₹55 crore by RITES, a government-owned engineering consultancy firm. It was inaugurated virtually by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 16, 2022. Amid an abysmally low Delhi Police housing satisfaction level of 20%, it was supposed to be a secure accommodation for its officials.
At the time, RITES roped in IIT-Delhi to carry out the structural survey. The handover of the complex to the police was then deferred, after IIT-Delhi’s report flagged major structural flaws, including cracks in beams and columns as well as concrete spalling, the officers who asked not to be named said. Police were informed of the situation earlier this year.
It was not immediately clear why the survey was carried out. HT reached out to RITES for a request for comment, but did not receive a response to the queries by the time of going to print. Decaying and weather-worn, the building now stands as an example of shoddy construction, waste of taxpayer money, administrative failure, and lack of accountability.
Earlier this year, Delhi Police wrote to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), seeking permission to demolish and rebuild the structure. In the letter, the police said, the projected cost of doing so would be over ₹100 crore, nearly double the previous construction cost, the officers said.
'If the MHA approves our request, the total expenditure of the housing project is estimated to reach around ₹155 crore — a massive price tag for a police housing complex that has not housed a single police officer since its inauguration more than three and a half years ago,' one officer said.
On September 9, HT visited the police housing complex to take stock of its condition. Located less than 500 meters away from the headquarters of Dwarka district’s deputy commissioner of police, it is flanked by the Best Paradise high-rise residential apartments on the left. On the right is an open space, where, once, a seven-storey apartment building, designated for judges and judicial staff, once stood. Comprising six towers built in 2016, it was also demolished in December 2024 for being structurally unfit.
A main gate leads to the police complex, which, comprising four blocks, has at least 198 flats from Type II to V categories, meant to house police officials between the ranks of constables and additional deputy commissioners of police (additional DCPs), along with their families.
One ramp from the entrance goes down to the basement parking, inaccessible since the structure was declared unsafe. The complex still has four guards on duty — each works a single shift, says private security guard, Kaptan Singh. The complex wears the signs of decay and weathering — a walking path that encircles the four blocks is overgrown with greenery and covered in scattered debris, glass shards, iron bars, and other construction materials.
Many places on the ground floor are flooded, with rainwater stagnating in pools, while green algae covers its surface as well as shafts where water has seeped in because of broken or missing drain pipes. Sections of plaster are peeling off, cracks run deep across walls, beams, and balconies, and iron reinforcement bars have rusted in many areas. Several flats are either partially constructed or have been vandalised, possibly by thieves. Electrical junctions are damaged and its gadgets appear to be missing.
However, ceiling fans in a few flats on the first and second floors suggest they had been used. According to the guard, 'The flats were earlier used for running offices of the construction company. Now, nobody lives in the flats.'
'Except for the guard room, where a small overhead water tank is installed and a bathroom is constructed, there is no water or electricity supply in the entire complex. I fetch the drinking water in bottles from nearby buildings,' he added.
On the ground floor, makeshift iron scaffoldings have been erected to prevent a potential collapse. At some places the bases of rusted scaffoldings hang in the air. 'The building looks dangerous if you see it from a close distance. It looks more like a ghost complex at night. The building’s decaying condition itself tells the story of the sorry state of affairs. The government should take action against everyone responsible for the building’s deteriorating condition. A lot of taxpayers money was wasted,' said a local tea vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current condition of the police housing complex in Dwarka?
The police housing complex in Dwarka, Delhi, has been declared structurally unsafe and is in a state of decay, with cracks, peeling plaster, and rusted reinforcement bars.
When was the police housing complex in Dwarka constructed and inaugurated?
The police housing complex in Dwarka was constructed at a cost of over ₹55 crore by RITES and was inaugurated virtually by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 16, 2022.
Why was the handover of the complex to the police deferred?
The handover was deferred after IIT-Delhi’s report flagged major structural flaws, including cracks in beams and columns as well as concrete spalling.
What is the estimated cost to demolish and rebuild the complex?
The projected cost to demolish and rebuild the complex is over ₹100 crore, nearly double the previous construction cost.
What action has the Delhi Police taken regarding the complex?
Delhi Police has written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), seeking permission to demolish and rebuild the structure, with the total expenditure estimated to reach around ₹155 crore.
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