Sat Apr 05 18:40:18 UTC 2025: ## Historic Chepauk Palace Buildings Undergo ₹23 Crore Restoration

**Chennai, April 6, 2025** – Two 175-year-old heritage structures within the Chepauk Palace complex in Chennai are undergoing a major restoration project costing ₹23.08 crore. The buildings, formerly used as government offices including a Pay and Accounts Office (PAO), are expected to be fully restored by May.

The Public Works Department’s Building Centre and Conservation Division is overseeing the renovation. The PAO building, a single-story structure spanning 15,468 sq. ft., had been unoccupied for two decades due to severe damage. Restoration efforts have included replacing massive battlement stones, repairing “Indian standard medium weight beams,” and restoring artwork on the lime mortar walls and facade.

The second building, a former record office, is larger at 20,796 sq. ft. and suffered more extensive damage (75%). Currently, 40% of its restoration is complete, with work focusing on replacing bricks, repairing Madras Terrace roofs, and restoring corridors and hallways. This building, connected to Kalas Mahal by a carriageway, featured a striking 40-foot tall entrance.

While the PAO building’s restoration is nearing completion, the future use of the record office building remains undecided. The department aims to finish the overall restoration within four months. The project highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve Chennai’s rich architectural heritage.

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