PULWAMA , JANUARY 17: A meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo focused on expediting the completion of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora. Officials from Health and Medical Education, PWD, Jal Shakti, CPWD, and AIIMS Awantipora participated in the discussions.
Among those present were the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary of PWD, Secretary of Health & Medical Education, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Chief Engineer CPWD, and DG Budget, among others.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the project and sought updates on the completion schedules for various facilities. He also examined the availability of workers and directed the agency to boost manpower after winter to accelerate construction.
The water supply system and access road to the institute were also reviewed. The Jal Shakti Department was tasked with completing the first phase of the water supply system, including the development of three bore wells, by May 2025 to meet the hospital’s operational needs.
The Chief Secretary further explored the requirements for additional land and future expansion of the institute, assuring the administration’s full support in resolving pending issues.
Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, shared an update on the project’s overall progress. He stated that 61% of the construction work across 57 blocks has been completed, and the institute is expected to be operational by November 2025.
The meeting was informed that winter conditions had reduced the labor force from around 2,400–2,500 to approximately 850 workers. However, work is continuing on six hospital blocks, four academic blocks, 16 residential blocks, 12 hostel blocks, an Ayush block, a guest house, and a night shelter.
Once operational, AIIMS Awantipora will play a pivotal role in improving healthcare infrastructure and services in the region.
