In a significant boost for healthcare infrastructure in the region, Ayodhya is poised to get a major cancer treatment facility. This development follows a generous land donation by the city's erstwhile royal family to facilitate the project, which will be spearheaded by the Tata Group in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government.
A Legacy of Philanthropy: The Royal Family's Donation
The Mishra family, descendants of Ayodhya's former royals, have agreed to donate approximately eight acres of prime land located near the Surajkund area along the Ayodhya-Ambedkarnagar road. Yatindra Mishra, a family member, confirmed that the donation is made in memory of his father, Bimlendra Mohan Mishra, a scion of the royal family and a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, who passed away in August 2025.
Highlighting a longstanding tradition of philanthropy, Mishra noted that his great-grandfather donated land for Saket College and 52 other colleges in Ayodhya. His father contributed land for the karyashala at Karsevak Puram, and the family also made donations to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) back in 1904. "When we were approached for land for a good cause, my uncle and I discussed it and agreed to donate," Mishra stated.
Project Details and Broader Healthcare Vision
The cancer hospital is a key component of a larger state government plan to develop Ayodhya into a comprehensive healthcare hub. The initiatives include setting up a new 300-bed hospital and upgrading the existing Shri Ram Hospital, alongside the cancer facility, to serve not just Ayodhya but the entire region.
Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the construction committee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust—which is also likely to be a partner in the cancer project—provided further details. He mentioned that the cancer treatment hub will be established by the Namo Cancer Care Trust from the private sector. "The primary requirement for construction, including a no-objection certificate from the district administration, has already been fulfilled," he said.
An agreement will be signed between the implementing organisation and the Raja of Ayodhya. A local trust is expected to be formed, with the Raja serving as a perpetual trustee to ensure the royal family's ongoing involvement. The ambitious goal is to commence Outpatient Department (OPD) services within two years.
Timelines, Approvals, and Operational Model
Regarding project timelines, Nripendra Mishra informed that a preliminary project report is ready. The final detailed project report, encompassing procurement plans—some of which may involve imports—is expected to be finalized within the next three months.
For the separate 300-bed hospital project, the tender process is complete and the construction agency has been finalized. However, approval from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is awaited, which is crucial for the project to move forward.
Ayodhya Divisional Commissioner Rakesh Kumar explained that the cancer centre will operate on a "hub-and-spoke" model. The Ayodhya facility will act as the central "hub" for advanced care, while hospitals across the region will function as "spokes," referring patients for specialized treatment. Given the rising incidence of oral and throat cancers in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Bihar, the centre will also emphasize research and targeted treatment development for these diseases.
This convergence of historic philanthropy, corporate partnership, and government planning marks a transformative step for healthcare in Ayodhya and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, promising advanced medical access to a large population.
