Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo expressed strong dismay over the sluggish pace of construction work at the upcoming AIIMS Kashmir, taking serious note of the inadequate deployment of men and machinery at the site.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Dulloo warned that the flagship project, monitored at the national level and through the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI platform, cannot afford further delays.
He held the contractor accountable for failing to mobilize the required number of skilled and unskilled labourers and directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to expedite construction, initiate immediate remedial measures, and ensure that strict instructions are issued to avoid any further delay.
Dulloo categorically stated that the November 2025 deadline must be met without compromise.
Officials informed the Chief Secretary that around 480 workers are currently engaged at the site, with the number expected to rise to 1,500 by the end of June.
Dulloo assured the executing agencies of full administrative and security support from the local administration to overcome any operational or logistical hurdles.
It was also revealed that AIIMS Kashmir is aiming to start OPD services by April 2026, IPD services by December 2026, and begin its first MBBS batch by July–August 2026.
Procurement and installation of medical equipment is already underway to ensure timely operationalisation.
In addition to AIIMS Kashmir, the Chief Secretary also reviewed pressing operational and expansion issues flagged by AIIMS Jammu.
These included augmentation of water and power supply, construction of an underpass to connect the north and south blocks across the National Highway, allotment of additional land, and the establishment of a dedicated police post and fire station, along with the development of a comprehensive drainage system.
He directed concerned departments to take immediate action on these critical requirements and assured the AIIMS Jammu administration of the UT government’s full support in fast-tracking approvals and providing infrastructure facilitation.
Reiterating the government’s firm commitment to strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, Dulloo urged all departments to work in synergy to ensure both AIIMS campuses evolve into world-class medical institutions.
“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,” he emphasized.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Directors of AIIMS Jammu and Kashmir; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir; Secretaries of PWD and Health & Medical Education; Project Director NHAI; Chief Engineers of PHE and PDD, and other senior officials.
