SRINAGAR, June 9: 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.
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.
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