Kolkata, 11 May (H.S.) : After more than a decade, the historic Writers' Building is set to regain its status as the administrative headquarters of the West Bengal government, replacing Nabanna as the state’s primary seat of power.

The iconic red-brick colonial-era structure, located opposite Lal Dighi in central Kolkata, is witnessing renewed activity following the political change in the state. The revival comes after the formation of Bengal’s first BJP government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who is expected to eventually operate from Writers’ Building.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had shifted the state secretariat from Writers’ Building to Nabanna in 2013, citing large-scale renovation work at the heritage structure. At the time, the Trinamool Congress government had said the shift would be temporary and that operations would return within a few months. However, despite repeated assurances and renovation plans, the restoration remained incomplete over the past 13 years.

For years, large portions of the heritage complex remained largely deserted, with restoration progressing slowly. Although repair work was carried out on parts of the exterior and interiors, much of the building continued to remain in a dilapidated condition.

Before the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP had promised that Writers’ Building would once again become the state’s principal administrative headquarters if it came to power. Following the declaration of election results on May 4, renovation activity reportedly intensified at the site.

Officials from the Public Works Department have begun rapid repair and restoration work in the main block after confirmation that the new government intends to operate from the historic complex. The atmosphere inside the building has changed noticeably in recent days, with increased movement of officials, engineers and journalists.

Ahead of the BJP government’s swearing-in ceremony on May 9, Writers’ Building was illuminated in saffron lighting and repainted in parts. Large banners featuring BJP leaders, including Syama Prasad Mookerjee, were also put up inside the premises. The nameplate of the former Chief Minister has reportedly been removed.

Sources said Adhikari will not use the same office chamber previously occupied by former Chief Ministers such as Jyoti Basu, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Mamata Banerjee. Instead, a separate chamber directly above the traditional Chief Minister’s office on the second floor is being prepared for him.

According to officials, one wing of the Public Works Department has already shifted into the building to supervise electrical, construction and restoration work. The second floor, which once housed the offices of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Finance Secretary, is undergoing preliminary repairs.

The government is also modernising infrastructure inside the heritage building. Old patterned floor tiles are being replaced with modern flooring, new wooden doors have been installed in ministerial chambers, and plans are underway to replace the remaining vintage lifts with automated systems. The VIP lift used by Chief Ministers has already been modernised.

Officials said a separate electrical network is being installed and security arrangements are also being upgraded as restoration work gathers pace.

The restoration project originally began in October 2013 after a committee of architecture experts from Jadavpur University submitted recommendations to the state government. An experienced agency was later appointed for the renovation work, which was expected to be completed within two years. However, even after nearly a decade, officials claim that less than a quarter of the core restoration work has been completed.

The new BJP government is now expected to accelerate the process in what officials describe as a “war-footing” effort to restore Writers’ Building to its former administrative prominence.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh