The National Museum in Delhi is on its third and final phase of expansion

At the Red Fort, three buildings that served as barracks in the colonial era will house the museum's new galleries

A grey arch and a timeworn white building stand apart amid the rubble of bricks next to the National Museum on Janpath in New Delhi. Until a few months ago, this space was the official address of the custodian of the country’s heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Except for the white building, which was built in the 1940s and is under consideration for heritage status, the museum authorities recently demolished adjoining structures, which, too, were occupied by ASI officials who have since moved to their new headquarters —  Dharohar (Heritage) Bhawan.

A foundation stone in these locked premises mentions December