Sheetla Mata Devi hospital marred by delays, deadline revised again

Construction of the Shri Sheetla Mata Devi Medical College in Gurugram, delayed multiple times, is now expected to finish by December 2026.

Gurugram: The construction of the much-awaited Shri Sheetla Mata Devi Medical College and Hospital in Sector 102, Kherki Majra, remains incomplete even after four years, with authorities revising deadlines six times since the work began.

Originally announced nine years ago, the project is now expected to be completed by December 31, officials said (HT Archive)

Originally announced nine years ago, the project is now expected to be completed by December 31, officials said.

The construction work began on April 1, 2022, after being awarded on January 12, 2022, with an initial deadline of July 31, 2024. However, repeated delays, attributed to factors such as GRAP-induced restrictions and administrative hurdles, led to multiple revisions of the deadlines – October 2024, March 2025, April 2025, June 2025, and March 2026.

Officials claim that around 81% of the construction work has been completed.

The ₹541.82-crore project is being developed on 30.08 acres and will include a medical college, an 883-bed hospital, a trauma centre, academic blocks, hostels, and residential facilities equipped with modern IT and security systems.

Haryana’s industries and commerce minister Rao Narbir Singh, had acknowledged the delays but assured that the project is being closely monitored. “The foundation stone was laid in 2017. Work slowed at certain stages, but the chief minister, Nayab Singh, is personally monitoring the project. I have also reviewed the progress and visited the site. People will soon start getting the benefit of this medical college and hospital,” he said.

Gurugram mayor Raj Rani Malhotra said the budget-related issues had earlier impacted progress. “The project was affected due to an increase in budget, but the revised cost has now been approved. Work is progressing at a faster pace, and people are expected to start getting facilities soon,” she said.

The delay has raised concerns among residents, especially given the city’s growing population of over 40 lakh and limited public healthcare infrastructure.

Currently, Gurugram has only one district civil hospital in Sector 10, which is overburdened, forcing residents to rely on expensive private hospitals.

Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly boost healthcare access not only in Gurugram but across south Haryana.