The construction of the super specialty wing at JJ Hospital in Mumbai has faced significant delays, with only 24% of the project completed over the past three years. The project, estimated at Rs. 700 crore, aims to provide comprehensive medical services and add 1200 beds to the existing hospital. The decision on whether to grant an extension to the current builder or assign the project to another developer rests with the Public Works and State Medical Education Department.
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The super specialty hospital building of JJ Hospital in Mumbai has faced significant delays in its construction, missing the July 20th deadline. Over the past three years, only 24% of the project has been completed. The decision on whether to grant an extension to the current builder or hand over the project to another builder rests with the Public Works and State Medical Education Department.
The ambitious project, estimated at Rs. 700 crore, was initiated in 2010 with an expected completion date of 2013. Once completed, it will be the largest hospital in Mumbai, accommodating 1200 beds across ten storeys with two basements. The new super specialty building aims to expand the existing JJ Hospital, adding 1200 beds and a VVIP ward, and offering specialized departments such as surgical cardiovascular, neurosurgery, paediatric, urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, pharmacology, haematology, rheumatology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology to provide comprehensive medical services.
The slow pace of construction has been attributed to various factors, including the pandemic's disruptions and delays in obtaining tree-cutting permissions. Additionally, the rocky terrain has posed challenges in excavating the basements. However, the Public Works Department does not consider these reasons sufficient for the substantial delay.
Despite being fined and receiving notices to expedite the work, the builder has struggled to complete the construction. A fine of over Rs. 4 crores has been imposed, but there has been little progress in the project. Although the builder has requested a two-year extension, there are doubts about whether the project will be completed even within that timeframe.
The current status of the building is in its initial stages, and it is speculated that it may require an additional three years to reach completion. The Public Works Department overseeing the project has penalized the contractor with a daily fine of Rs. 1.52 lakhs for the delays.
The decision on whether to grant more time or assign the project to another developer will be critical in determining the fate of the super specialty hospital building at JJ Hospital. The completion of this essential medical facility remains a top priority to meet the growing healthcare needs of the city.
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