SRINAGAR: The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the progress on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Kashmir and took stock of expansion-related challenges flagged by AIIMS Jammu. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officers and heads of departments, focused sharply on construction timelines, resource deployment, and inter-departmental coordination for these premier health institutions.
At the meeting, officials informed the Chief Secretary that the AIIMS Kashmir project has reached approximately 64 per cent completion. Around 480 workers are currently engaged at the site, with the workforce expected to expand to 1,500 by the end of June to meet construction demands. The procurement and installation of medical equipment is also underway to ensure operational readiness.
The institute is scheduled to start OPD services by April 2026 and IPD services by December 2026, with its first MBBS batch expected to begin classes by July or August 2026.
Despite the progress, the Chief Secretary expressed serious concern over the slow pace of work and inadequate deployment of manpower and machinery by the contractor. He described the performance as unsatisfactory, particularly given that the project is under national-level scrutiny through the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI review mechanism.
“This flagship project cannot afford to lag behind. We must meet the November 2025 deadline without fail,” Dulloo said, directing the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to expedite the pace of work and enforce accountability. He asked the agency to issue firm instructions to the contractor to scale up workforce mobilisation and take immediate remedial steps.
The Chief Secretary assured full administrative and logistical support from the local administration and urged all stakeholders to work in unison to match the urgency conveyed in official directives.
In addition to AIIMS Kashmir, the meeting addressed critical infrastructural and administrative issues concerning AIIMS Jammu. Key concerns included the need to augment water and power supply, construct an underpass to connect the north and south blocks across the National Highway, allocate additional land for expansion, and establish a dedicated police post and fire station. The development of a comprehensive drainage system was also highlighted.
Dulloo directed the relevant departments to address these demands on priority and assured the AIIMS Jammu administration of fast-tracked approvals and government support.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary healthcare in the Union Territory, the Chief Secretary emphasised that both AIIMS campuses must be completed and made fully functional within the stipulated timeframe.
“These institutions are vital to ensuring affordable, accessible and advanced healthcare services for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Every department must function proactively to ensure they become world-class centres of medical excellence,” Dulloo said.
