Darbhanga: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Darbhanga has moved a big step closer to reality after receiving environmental clearance for its construction. The project is being managed by the Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (HSCC) and will be developed as a modern medical township. Spread over about 7.36 lakh square metres of land, the campus is expected to become one of the largest healthcare and medical education centres in Bihar. Officials say the project is likely to be completed by 2029 and will give a new direction to public healthcare in the state.
The total cost of the Darbhanga AIIMS project is estimated at around Rs 807 crore. The construction area of more than 2.08 lakh square metres places it under Category ‘B’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment rules, making environmental clearance mandatory. The tallest buildings on the campus will be around 30 metres high. According to project officials, the clearance ensures that issues such as waste management, water use and green cover have been carefully planned before construction begins.
In the first phase, about 4.81 lakh square metres of land will be developed, while the remaining area has been kept aside for future expansion. The campus design places strong emphasis on sustainability. Around 1.03 lakh square metres will be developed as green area, and 9,207 trees will be planted. Twelve small ponds will be built for rainwater harvesting, and sewage treatment plants will be installed to recycle water for cooling systems and irrigation. The total daily water requirement of the campus is estimated at 2,070 kilolitres, with a large portion to be met through treated water.
The main hospital complex will consist of four blocks with ground plus five floors and will have a capacity of 720 beds. Along with this, there will be facilities such as an outpatient department, oncology services, radio diagnostics, an AYUSH block, a mortuary and a hospital service centre. A 750-seat auditorium is also planned. The academic complex will include a medical college for 150 students and a nursing college for 100 students, helping train future doctors and nurses within the same campus.
Housing and hostel facilities will also be developed on a large scale. Residential buildings for doctors and staff will range from five to eight floors. Hostels will provide accommodation for undergraduate, postgraduate and nursing students. Other facilities will include a large mess hall, shopping complex, guest house, night shelter and a medical waste management centre. Located close to major roads, railway stations and the airport, the Darbhanga AIIMS is expected to emerge as a complete medical city, improving access to quality healthcare for people across north Bihar and neighbouring regions.
