SRINAGAR, Sep 8:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced that the AIIMS Awantipora project is progressing rapidly, with the Outpatient Department (OPD) set to start by March-April 2026 and the entire facility fully commissioned by December 2026.
Site Selection Delayed Project Start, Says CM
During a site visit to AIIMS Awantipora in Pulwama district, Omar Abdullah acknowledged that the initial site selection was politically motivated, without proper assessment for a medical facility.
“This site was chosen on political grounds. It wasn’t evaluated whether it was suitable for a hospital or not,” the Chief Minister said, adding that AIIMS and CPWD had followed instructions to begin construction at the designated location.
Delays Due to Security and DPR Changes
Omar further explained that security concerns from the Army had delayed the project and led to a complete restructuring of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which caused a year-long delay and cost escalation.
“All those issues are now resolved. The Project Director and CPWD have assured completion by September or October next year,” he said.
He added that:
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OPD services will start by March-April 2026
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IPD and main hospital functions are expected by November-December 2026
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MBBS classes are scheduled to commence from July 2026
High-Level Review Meeting Held On-Site
Earlier, the Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the project site. Key officials in attendance included:
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Health Minister Sakina Itoo
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Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani
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Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo
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Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg
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Executive Director AIIMS Dr. S. Mohanty
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Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr. Basharat Qayoom
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NCC Ltd (executing agency)
The meeting covered:
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Status of civil infrastructure
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Procurement of machinery
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Workforce mobilization
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Progress on key facilities including roads, water supply, emergency routes
Urgent Push for Completion
Omar Abdullah instructed the executing agency to mobilize additional manpower and machinery to adhere strictly to timelines.
He also stressed the importance of stabilizing the surrounding hilly terrain, especially after recent heavy rainfall that could affect long-term sustainability.
Dr. Mohanty, Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, confirmed that:
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OPD and allied services will be operational by early next year
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Full commissioning is expected by December 2026
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Academic sessions will begin from mid-2026
Hazratbal Incident: “Wrong, Unnecessary Provocation”
Responding to questions on the Hazratbal incident, the Chief Minister termed the act “wrong” and criticized the absence of an explanation.
“The inscription on the stone was unnecessary. Hazratbal Masjid, built in 1982, never had such things. People’s emotions came out, and the administration reacted rightly, ” he added.
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