Delhi’s Underground Luxury: Nuclear Bunkers Selling Like Hotcakes, Promising 3 Years of Safe Shelter!

As wars rage across the globe, even Delhi isn't immune to the anxiety. In response, a new trend has emerged—nuclear bunkers. Whether it’s a pre-built underground container or a customized luxury shelter, Delhi’s elite are booking these high-security spaces, some costing up to tens of crores. These bunkers are designed to keep residents safe for up to three years in the event of a nuclear or chemical attack.

Aaj Tak investigated the booming market for these underground "Paatal Lok" shelters by speaking with defense suppliers, army officers, and police officials. The findings were nothing short of astonishing. Numerous companies in Delhi-NCR are selling CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) bunkers. Some high-end real estate projects now include underground bunkers beneath their buildings, priced between ₹1.25 crores and ₹10 crores.

Customized Safety with Premium Features

These nuclear bunkers come with various customizable options. Whether you need protection for two adults and a child for a month or a shelter for eight people to hide for almost a year, the price varies according to your requirements. For example, a bunker category called "Triumph" offers a pre-built home that can shelter eight people for up to 300 days.

At the higher end of the spectrum, luxury bunkers, spanning 3,000 square feet, can accommodate 15 to 20 people comfortably. These come with double the storage space, ensuring enough food, water, and electricity to last up to three years. Some even include hydroponic rooms to grow fresh vegetables indoors, ensuring self-sufficiency during prolonged emergencies.

From Weapons to Luxury—Everything is Covered

These bunkers are more than just safety zones; they offer amenities like a weapons room to arm occupants in case of an emergency. For those with the means, these shelters provide the peace of mind that they can survive global catastrophes. A company selling these bunkers revealed that they sold their first one in India in 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, demand for CBRN shelters has skyrocketed.

A Growing Market for Private Bunkers

While military bunkers are buried deep underground, civilian bunkers are not as deeply situated. However, the reasoning is simple: countries won’t waste sophisticated bombs on civilians; the primary targets would be leadership or military bases. The civilian bunkers, therefore, aim to protect the public from fallout or debris, allowing them to reemerge when the danger has passed.

The market for these nuclear shelters is rapidly expanding, with prices starting at ₹1.25 crores. The smallest bunkers, however, aren’t recommended due to their limited space and functionality. As one manufacturer explained, “We’re talking about protecting lives, and that comes with a cost.”

Luxury Flats with Nuclear Bunkers

Delhi's high-end real estate market has also caught on to the trend, with luxury apartment projects now offering nuclear bunkers. One such project promises an underground nuclear bunker along with a variety of five-star amenities. Built to withstand the worst, these bunkers can accommodate hundreds of residents in a building, providing long-term food, water, and energy supplies.

While companies have started marketing nuclear bunkers to India’s elite, experts are skeptical. A retired IPS officer pointed out, “There’s no way to test these bunkers' efficacy. If there’s a nuclear attack, the shock and radiation would be too overwhelming. Most of these private bunkers are just marketing gimmicks.”

However, the demand for safety is real, and with the changing global scenario, more and more of Delhi’s wealthiest residents are willing to invest in underground luxury, just in case the unthinkable happens.

Are These Bunkers Worth the Cost?

As the world becomes more unpredictable, nuclear bunkers may seem like a necessary investment. But with sky-high prices and questions around their effectiveness, many are left wondering if these high-end shelters are more about peace of mind than practical protection. Nonetheless, for those who can afford it, this may be the ultimate insurance policy against a chaotic world.