Power line shift delay hits Solan hospital project

Work on shifting a 33 KV power line from the construction site of the upcoming super specialty hospital in Solan has been delayed due to the Public Works Department (PWD) not depositing the full amount with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL).

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Initially, the estimated cost for shifting the power line was Rs 38.96 lakh, later revised to Rs 53.65 lakh in November 2024. While Rs 38 lakh was deposited in February, the remaining amount is yet to be credited. An HPSEBL official confirmed that tenders would be invited only after the full amount is received.

Health Minister DR Shandil, who reviewed the construction, directed officials to expedite the power line shifting. He emphasised that the 200-bed multi-purpose hospital, including a separate mother-child unit and a trauma centre, is a crucial project with Rs 100 crore allocated for its construction. Currently, 50% of the work has been completed.

He highlighted that the third-level trauma centre will enhance emergency medical services for residents of Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts, along with tourists. The hospital will offer state-of-the-art healthcare and round-the-clock specialist services. Despite his assurance that funds will not hinder the project, a financial crunch had previously stalled construction for several months. He instructed officials to complete the C-block by December 2025 and finish the remaining work on time.

Following the hospital’s inauguration, the existing Regional Hospital, Solan, building will be converted into a city hospital. During his visit, Shandil also inspected the regional hospital, checked on patients’ well-being, and directed that the medicine counter remain open until 5 PM while exploring additional prescription counters.

The previous BJP-led government had sanctioned Rs 29 crore for the project, with a total estimated cost of Rs 90.33 crore. An additional Rs 10 crore, earlier allocated for a mother-and-child healthcare facility that could not be built due to space constraints, is now being utilised for the new hospital. The foundation stone for the project was laid by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in September 2021.