The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee today (July 24, 2015) inaugurated a restored Clock Tower and a renovated Clinic today (July 24, 2015) at the President’s Estate to mark the completion of his third year in office. The President completes three years on July 25, 2015.The clock tower is heritage structure built by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1924. This was built as an Institute for men of the President Body Guard and had reading and recreational rooms, canteens, etc. Since, 1947, it has been occupied by the President Body Guard as its Regimental Head Quarter. The clock system installed in the tower at Schedule ‘A’ is inscribed with the name “Pulsynetic”, which indicates that its manufacturer was Gent and Company of Leicester, UK. The Gent and Company’s electric clocks adorn many important buildings around the world.
Restoration work of the Clock Tower has been done by INTACH while repair of Clock has been done by IIT, Delhi. The building was precisely documented and analyzed prior to the restoration work. The restoration undertaken includes preservation of original plaster, Kota stone flooring, repair of conical obelisks, cleaning and painting of fire places etc. as per original design. The President’s Estate Clinic building was constructed in 1929 and was originally known as Viceroy’s Dispensary. At present, the President’s Estate Clinic and CGHS Wellness Centre are functioning in it. Many architectural features like cornices, moulding & turrets etc. of the Clinic had been badly damaged/defaced as no major repair/restoration work was taken up since last many years. The building has now been renovated and restored to its original shape. Renovation work started on 4 June 2015 and was completed on 23 July 2015, i.e. within 50 days.