Union Cabinet Greenlights Rs 700 Crore Boost for AIIMS Darbhanga Project
In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure in Bihar, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an additional allocation of Rs 700 crore for the AIIMS Darbhanga project. This decision was formally announced by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda during a session in the Lok Sabha on Friday, March 25.
Enhanced Funding and Project Details
Responding to queries during the question hour, Minister Nadda clarified that this new funding is supplementary to the previously sanctioned amount of Rs 1,264 crore. Consequently, the total estimated project cost now stands at approximately Rs 1,964 crore. Nadda emphasized that the Union government is prioritizing the swift completion of AIIMS Darbhanga, with long-standing execution hurdles expected to be resolved promptly.
The AIIMS Darbhanga is being established near the Shobhan-Ekmi bypass in Darbhanga district, with the Bihar government having handed over approximately 187 acres of land to the Centre for this purpose. The project initially received Cabinet approval in September 2020, and the foundation stone was officially laid by Prime Minister Modi on November 13, 2024.
Political and Regional Implications
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this decision, describing it as a "historic and pro-public" move. In a statement to the media, Saraogi highlighted that the additional funding would inject new momentum and strength into the project, potentially serving as a milestone for Bihar, particularly the Mithila region.
"This decision will prove to be a milestone for Bihar, especially the Mithila region. Whatever obstacles were coming in the construction of the long-awaited Darbhanga AIIMS will now be completely eliminated," Saraogi stated. He also extended thanks to Health Minister Nadda for his role in advancing the initiative.
Future Prospects and Healthcare Impact
Upon completion, AIIMS Darbhanga is projected to become a major healthcare hub, featuring:
- A 750-bed super-specialty hospital
- A medical college with 125 seats
- A nursing college with 60 seats
- Several specialized healthcare departments
This development is anticipated to significantly enhance medical services and education in the region, addressing critical healthcare gaps and fostering economic growth through improved infrastructure.
The Cabinet's approval underscores the government's commitment to strengthening India's public health system, with AIIMS Darbhanga poised to play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery in Bihar and beyond.
