The Indian government has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate and hand over its premises by June 5 [2].
The order marks a significant reclamation of prime real estate in Lutyens’ Delhi. By seizing this land, the government aims to prioritize national security infrastructure over the operations of a British-era social club.
The premises, located on Safdarjung Road, span 27.3 acres [1]. The Centre has mandated that the club hand over the property by June 5, 2026 [3].
Officials said the land is required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure" [1]. The government said the acquisition is necessary to meet "defence infrastructure and public security needs" [2].
The move comes as the government seeks to enhance the security perimeter and operational capacity of the capital's high-security zone. The Centre said there is a "need for land to enhance defence infrastructure and other public projects" [3].
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has long operated from this site, but the government's directive leaves the organization with a narrow window to relocate its activities. The order emphasizes that the requirements for public security and defence infrastructure outweigh the current usage of the site.
“strengthening and securing defence infrastructure”
This directive reflects the Indian government's increasing priority on securing the Lutyens' Delhi area, the administrative heart of the country. By repurposing land from a private social club for defence and public security, the state is signaling a shift toward hardening the security infrastructure around key government installations and diplomatic zones.
