Gurgaon's Civil Lines Hospital Project Advances with Final 400-Bed Design
The long-delayed Civil Lines hospital project in Gurgaon has reached a critical juncture, with the design for a 400-bed facility now in its final phase. Officials have confirmed that provision has been made for adding 200 more beds in a subsequent expansion phase, marking significant progress for this essential healthcare infrastructure project.
From 750 Beds to Phased 400+200 Model
Originally conceived as a 750-bed hospital, the project has undergone substantial transformation over five years. The design process witnessed two major revisions, shifting from expansion of the old structure to complete demolition, then oscillating between 400-bed and 750-bed plans before ultimately settling on the current phased approach.
"After examining the proposal, we did not find any objections or issues with the layout," stated Gurgaon civil surgeon Dr. Lokveer Singh. "The file was resubmitted to proceed with the 400-bed hospital plan, which also includes provision for adding another 200 beds in the next phase."
Formal Construction Steps Begin
This development follows a directive from the Haryana director general of health services (DGHS) to the central public works department (CPWD) to expedite the final round of drawings. The order, issued by the deputy director (construction) on behalf of the DGHS, represents the first formal construction-related step for the proposed hospital.
The state government has approved the 400-bed plan and instructed CPWD to incorporate space for the additional 200 beds, ensuring future scalability of the healthcare facility.
Background of Structural Deterioration
The existing government hospital in Civil Lines, constructed in 1967, had deteriorated significantly over the years. Between 2015 and 2016, the facility experienced six roof collapse incidents, including in the maternity ward and intensive care unit. These structural failures necessitated the relocation of critical services to the Sector 10 civil hospital.
The public works department declared the building unsafe on two separate occasions—in 2015 and again in 2017—following comprehensive safety audits that highlighted the structure's precarious condition.
Evolution of Hospital Plans
The state government first announced plans to expand the Civil Lines hospital in 2017, but the project encountered numerous redesigns and delays:
- Initial discussions focused on expanding the existing structure
- Plans shifted to complete demolition and construction of a new building
- Demolition approval in 2019 took nearly three years due to pandemic disruptions
- By late 2022, both the hospital building and an adjacent school structure were completely razed to create additional space
The proposed hospital capacity fluctuated significantly during this period:
- Initial plans for a 500-bed facility
- Expansion to a 750-bed hospital announced in the 2023–24 state budget
- CPWD prepared designs for a 750-bed, 10-storey hospital by mid-2024
- State allocation of nearly Rs 990 crore for the project
- Health department authorization to float tenders
Despite these approvals and financial allocations, ground construction never commenced because the plan underwent another revision, reducing immediate construction to 400 beds while preserving space for 200 additional beds in future expansion.
Current Status and Future Outlook
The project now stands at a pivotal moment with the design phase nearing completion. The state's approval of the 400-bed plan with expansion provisions represents a pragmatic approach to healthcare infrastructure development, balancing immediate needs with future growth requirements.
This development comes as Gurgaon continues to address its growing healthcare demands, with the Civil Lines hospital project poised to significantly enhance medical services in the region once construction finally begins on the long-awaited facility.
