Delays in AIIMS Kashmir construction: CS asks for remedial measures to meet November deadline

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high level meeting to review the progress on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Kashmir besides addressing the operational and expansion-related issues raised by AIIMS Jammu.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Directors of AIIMS Jammu/Kashmir; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu; Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Project Director, NHAI; Chief Engineers of PHE and PDD and other senior officials.

The Chief Secretary took serious notice of the slow pace of construction work at AIIMS Kashmir and expressed strong dismay over the inadequate deployment of men and machinery on the site. He said that this flagship project, which is being closely monitored at the national level and through the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI review meetings, must not be allowed to lag behind.

He emphasized that accountability must be fixed on the contractor for failing to mobilize sufficient skilled and unskilled labourers to meet the project timelines. He directed the CPWD to expedite the pace of work and initiate the immediate remedial measures on this account. He asked to issue strict instructions to the contractor to avoid any further delay. He categorically stressed that November 2025 deadline must be met without any compromise.
The Chief Secretary assured the executing agencies of full administrative and security support from the local administration to overcome logistical or operational hurdles. He urged all the stakeholders to work in synergy and ensure that on-ground implementation matches the urgency conveyed in official directions.

It was informed during the meeting that around 64% of the project work has been completed, so far. Around 480 workers are currently engaged at the site and this number is expected to rise to 1,500 by the end of June.
It was apprised that in order to start operationalization of this hospital on time procurement and installation of medical equipment is underway. Besides, AIIMS Kashmir is expected to commence its OPD services by April 2026, IPD services by December 2026 and welcome its first batch of MBBS students in July/August 2026, the meeting was apprised.

In addition to the Kashmir project, the Chief Secretary also reviewed pressing issues flagged by the administration of AIIMS Jammu, especially in the context of its future expansion and seamless functioning.

Some of the key requirements discussed included augmentation of water and power supply, construction of an underpass to connect north and south blocks across the National Highway, allotment of additional land for expansion, establishment of a dedicated police post and fire station besides development of a comprehensive drainage system etc.

The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to take note of these critical needs and assured the AIIMS Jammu administration of the UT government’s full support in fast-tracking approvals and infrastructural facilitation.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening the tertiary healthcare infrastructure in the Union Territory, Atal Dulloo asked all the departments to work proactively to ensure that both AIIMS campuses evolve into world-class medical institutions. He highlighted that the timely completion and efficient functioning of these institutes is crucial for delivering affordable, accessible and advanced medical care to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.