Explore the political map of Delhi, the capital territory of India, is divided into eleven administrative districts: New Delhi, Central Delhi, East Delhi, North Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, Shahdara, South Delhi, South East Delhi, South West Delhi, and West Delhi. These districts collectively cover an area of 1,484 square kilometres and are home to over 19 million people. Each district has its unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in the administrative, economic, and cultural fabric of the city.
Explore the Delhi political map showing the 11 districts, district headquarters and national capital of India, New Delhi.
List of Districts of Delhi
S.N.
District
Headquarters
Tehsils (Sub divisions)
1
New Delhi
Jamnagar House
Chanakyapuri, Delhi Cantonment, Vasant Vihar
2
Central Delhi
Daryaganj
Civil Lines, Karol Bagh, Kotwali
3
East Delhi
Shastri Nagar
Gandhi Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar
4
North Delhi
Alipur
Alipur, Model Town, Narela
5
North East Delhi
Nand Nagri
Karawal Nagar, Seelampur, Yamuna Vihar
6
North West Delhi
Kanjhawala
Kanjhawala, Rohini, Saraswati Vihar
7
Shahdara
Nand Nagri
Seemapuri, Shahdara, Vivek Vihar
8
South Delhi
Saket
Hauz Khas, Mehrauli, Saket
9
South East Delhi
Defence Colony
Defence Colony, Kalkaji, Sarita Vihar
10
South West Delhi
Kapashera
Dwarka, Kapashera, Najafgarh
11
West Delhi
Shivaji Place
Paschim Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden
Districts of Delhi
Delhi, the capital territory of India, is administratively divided into eleven districts. Each district has distinct characteristics and plays a significant role in the city’s overall administrative, economic, and cultural landscape. These districts cover an area of 1,484 square kilometres and collectively house over 19 million residents. Here is an in-depth look at the districts of Delhi:
New Delhi
New Delhi, the seat of the Indian government, is the most significant district in terms of political and administrative importance. It houses key government buildings, including the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s residence), and the Prime Minister’s Office. Spanning 42.7 square kilometres, New Delhi is also home to iconic landmarks such as India Gate and Connaught Place. This district is characterised by its wide avenues, green spaces, and colonial architecture, designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
Central Delhi
Central Delhi is a vibrant district known for its historical and commercial significance. Covering 25 square kilometres, it includes areas such as Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, and Daryaganj. Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, is famous for its narrow lanes, traditional shops, and street food. The district also features significant landmarks like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the bustling Connaught Place, which serves as a major commercial hub.
East Delhi
East Delhi, spanning 64 square kilometres, is predominantly a residential area with pockets of commercial activity. Key localities include Preet Vihar, Mayur Vihar, and Laxmi Nagar. The district is known for its well-planned residential colonies and markets. Akshardham Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, is a notable landmark in East Delhi, attracting numerous tourists and devotees.
North Delhi
North Delhi covers an area of 60 square kilometres and is known for its educational institutions and historical sites. The district includes areas such as Civil Lines, Model Town, and Delhi University’s North Campus. It is home to many prestigious colleges, including St. Stephen’s College and Hindu College. The district also features historical landmarks like the Mutiny Memorial and the old colonial residences in Civil Lines.
North East Delhi
North East Delhi, covering 52 square kilometres, is a densely populated district. It includes localities such as Seelampur, Shahdara, and Yamuna Vihar. The district is characterised by its mixed residential and commercial zones. Despite its high population density, North East Delhi faces challenges related to infrastructure and urban planning.
North West Delhi
North West Delhi is the largest district by area, covering 440 square kilometres. It includes areas like Rohini, Pitampura, and Narela. The district is a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Rohini is one of the well-planned residential areas with modern amenities. The district also hosts several educational institutions and recreational facilities.
Shahdara
Shahdara, one of the smaller districts covering 60 square kilometres, is known for its bustling markets and residential areas. Key localities include Dilshad Garden, Jhilmil Colony, and Vivek Vihar. Shahdara has a rich history and is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Delhi, with a mix of traditional and modern infrastructure.
South Delhi
South Delhi, spanning 250 square kilometres, is one of the most affluent districts. It includes upscale localities such as Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, and Vasant Kunj. The district is known for its high-end residential areas, shopping malls, and educational institutions. Prominent landmarks include Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and the Hauz Khas Village, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
South East Delhi
South East Delhi covers 52 square kilometres and includes areas such as Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, and Sarita Vihar. The district is a blend of residential and commercial zones, with several shopping areas and markets. South East Delhi is known for its educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and the famous Lotus Temple.
South West Delhi
South West Delhi, covering 420 square kilometres, is a mix of urban and rural areas. It includes key localities such as Dwarka, Vasant Vihar, and Palam. Dwarka is one of the largest residential areas in Asia, known for its modern infrastructure and amenities. The district also houses the Indira Gandhi International Airport, a major gateway to India.
West Delhi
West Delhi spans 130 square kilometres and includes areas such as Rajouri Garden, Janakpuri, and Punjabi Bagh. The district is a blend of residential colonies and commercial centres. Rajouri Garden and Janakpuri are well-known shopping and entertainment hubs, while Punjabi Bagh is a prominent residential area.
Administrative Structure
The administrative structure of Delhi is complex and multifaceted, reflecting its unique status as both a city and a union territory. This structure integrates the functions of the central government, the state government, and local municipal bodies to ensure efficient governance. Here is a detailed overview of Delhi's administrative framework, including its various administrative divisions, governing bodies, and key functions.
Central Government's Role
Delhi, being the capital of India, hosts the central government's key institutions, including the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Parliament House, and the Supreme Court. The central government plays a crucial role in Delhi's administration, particularly in areas such as law and order, land, and police, which are under its direct control.
State Government Structure
Delhi's state government is a unique entity known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, functioning with a blend of state and union territory governance models. The administrative structure is headed by the Lieutenant Governor (LG), appointed by the President of India, and the Chief Minister, elected by the people.
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor is the nominal head of the NCT of Delhi, representing the President of India. The LG has significant powers, particularly in matters related to public order, police, and land. The LG's approval is required for legislation passed by the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
The Chief Minister is the head of the government of Delhi, supported by the Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister and the ministers are responsible for executing various state functions, including education, health, transport, and public works. The current Chief Minister is Arvind Kejriwal, who has been in office since February 2015.
Delhi Legislative Assembly
The Delhi Legislative Assembly is a unicameral legislature with 70 members, elected every five years. The Assembly is responsible for making laws on subjects within the state list and the concurrent list, except for matters related to public order, police, and land.
Administrative Divisions
Delhi is divided into eleven administrative districts, each headed by a District Magistrate (DM) or Deputy Commissioner (DC). These districts are further subdivided into sub-divisions, each managed by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The districts of Delhi are:
New Delhi
Central Delhi
East Delhi
North Delhi
North East Delhi
North West Delhi
Shahdara
South Delhi
South East Delhi
South West Delhi
West Delhi
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is responsible for civic administration across the majority of Delhi. In 2012, the MCD was trifurcated into three separate municipal corporations to improve governance and administrative efficiency:
North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC)
South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC)
East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC)
Each corporation has its elected body, headed by a Mayor, and is responsible for various civic services, including sanitation, road maintenance, health services, and primary education.
New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) administers the New Delhi area, covering prominent locations such as Lutyens' Delhi, Connaught Place, and the India Gate vicinity. The NDMC is overseen by a chairperson appointed by the central government and is responsible for providing high-quality civic amenities and services.
Delhi Cantonment Board
The Delhi Cantonment Board is another key municipal body responsible for the administration of the Delhi Cantonment area. This body operates under the Ministry of Defence and provides essential services to the civilian and military population residing in the cantonment.
Key Functions and Services
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
The Delhi Police, under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety. The police force is divided into several districts, each headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
Health and Education
The state government, through the Department of Health and Family Welfare, manages a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres. Notable institutions include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Safdarjung Hospital.
The Department of Education oversees the administration of public schools, implementation of educational policies, and improvement of educational infrastructure. Delhi is home to renowned educational institutions such as the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Infrastructure and Transport
The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for constructing and maintaining public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and government buildings. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) provide comprehensive public transport services, ensuring connectivity across the city.
