After years of neglect, restoration of heritage Puducherry Police Headquarters begins

The restoration of the historic Police Headquarters complex in Puducherry has begun after years of neglect. The Grade II B heritage structure, which houses the offices of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), is undergoing conservation work at a cost of ₹8.73 crore by the Public Works Department (PWD).

The project aims to preserve the building’s original French architectural design while addressing structural issues. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) serves as the architectural consultant, and Puducherry Technological University (PTU) is the structural consultant. Work includes replastering walls and ceilings, replacing wooden rafters and beams on the first floor, and raising the ground floor height of the DGP office by one foot. The floors and verandah will be relaid with Kota stones, while the terrace will use pressed clay tiles and lime concrete. The roof will be restored using the traditional ‘Madras Terrace’ style, common in early 19th-century Puducherry.

Heritage conservationists had long urged action due to the building’s deteriorating condition. The complex, built in the 1790s, originally served as barracks during the French colonial period and is one of the oldest surviving military structures in the region. The central building now houses the DGP’s office and residence, while the southern wing contains meeting rooms and the Police Museum. The northern wing, however, had fallen into severe disrepair, with deep cracks, vegetation overgrowth, and water seepage compromising its stability.

Officials noted that unchecked plant growth had worsened structural damage, allowing water to seep in and weaken the foundation. Over time, repairs with steel and concrete had further degraded the building. An expert inspection years earlier recommended assessing the foundation, replacing corroded fixtures, removing vegetation, and ensuring regular upkeep.

The complex was constructed in three phases: as a warehouse for the French East India Company between 1788 and 1790, later converted into a government warehouse in 1821, and then repurposed as a military barracks in 1857. Governor D’Ubraye expanded the complex to station a company of the 4th regiment of the Naval infantry. Today, it stands as a key historical landmark in Puducherry’s administrative quarter.

The restoration project is expected to restore the heritage building’s former grandeur while ensuring long-term structural integrity.

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