According to the Central Public Works Department, Sonia Gandhi's residence covers 15,181 square meters, making it larger than the Prime Minister's residence, which spans 14,101 square meters. This information was disclosed in response to a 2015 RTI application by Dev Ashish Bhattacharya. However, both these residences are dwarfed by Rashtrapati Bhavan, which extends over 320 acres, making it one of the largest properties for a head of state globally. Additionally, the Vice President’s residence at 6 Maulana Azad Road covers 26,333.49 square meters, surpassing both the PM and Sonia Gandhi’s residences in size.
PM Modi resides at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (formerly known as Race Course Road) in New Delhi. The official residence of the Prime Minister is a sprawling estate comprising multiple bungalows spread over 12 acres. The main bungalow, where Modi resides, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a helipad, high-security features, and extensive landscaped gardens.
The Prime Minister's residence consists of not just one, but five bungalows spread across 12 acres of land, specifically Bungalows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. No. 7 serves as the Prime Minister’s office, while the private residence is located at 5, Lok Kalyan Marg. Bungalow 9 houses the Special Protection Group (SPG), who are responsible for the PM's security. The Prime Minister’s private residence features two bedrooms, an additional guest room, a dining room, and a living room that can accommodate approximately 30 people.
The complex includes not just the living quarters but also offices, guest houses, and rooms for staff. The interiors are tastefully designed, blending modern amenities with traditional Indian aesthetics. Security is paramount, with advanced surveillance systems and a significant presence of Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel.
Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Indian National Congress, lives at 10, Janpath in New Delhi. This bungalow is also substantial, though smaller compared to the Prime Minister's residence. Covering an area of around 2.5 acres, it offers a mix of comfort and functionality. The property has a well-maintained garden, numerous living quarters, and spaces for official meetings.
The interiors of 10, Janpath reflect elegance and simplicity, emphasizing comfort. It includes a library, meeting rooms, and accommodations for staff and security personnel. Like the Prime Minister’s residence, security here is rigorous, with SPG personnel and surveillance systems in place to ensure safety.
While both residences are luxurious and equipped with top-tier facilities, the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg is significantly larger and more elaborate than Sonia Gandhi’s bungalow at 10, Janpath. The Prime Minister's estate is designed to accommodate official functions and provide a secure environment for the country's leader, reflecting its larger size and greater complexity.
Sonia Gandhi's bungalow, 10 Janpath, while smaller, is still a prominent and secure residence for a prominent leader like her. It strikes a balance between personal comfort and the demands of hosting political meetings and gatherings.
In conclusion, while both residences are prestigious, the Prime Minister’s residence stands out for its sheer size and the extensive facilities it encompasses, making it the more luxurious of the two.