THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, November 30: The 500-bed hospital at Medinirai Medical College in Daltonganj remains unfinished even after six years, with no confirmed date for operations to begin in 2026. Major gaps in water supply, electricity, sewer treatment, and biomedical waste systems continue to delay the project.
An underground sump meant for water storage is not adequate for the hospital, residential complexes, and hostels. The 8-lakh-gallon capacity falls far short of the total requirement. A proposed substation for electricity is also progressing slowly, leaving the hospital’s functioning uncertain.
Repeated Deadlines Missed by Construction Agency
The construction agency—known for handling large multi-crore projects—has repeatedly missed deadlines. Each time, it claims completion “by June” or “by December,” but none of these assurances have materialized.
In January 2025, then Principal Secretary of Health Ajoy Kumar Singh, now Additional Chief Secretary, inspected the site and directed the agency to finish the hospital by June 2025. The agency asked for an extension until August 2025, prompting Singh to warn of penalties of up to 8% for continued delays. Despite this, no visible progress followed.
Sand Crisis and Material Shortages Slow Progress
The construction agency cites several problems: a severe sand crisis, issues with brick quality, shortage of stone chips, lack of water, and overhead 11 kV electric lines near the site.
Sand is being brought from Dehri and Sherghati in Bihar, making the process costly and slow. Local sand is cheaper but not legally available. “We pay royalty and GST. We cannot buy stolen sand,” said a functionary of the agency. The project requires 500 tonnes of sand, which local suppliers cannot provide.
Closure of illegal stone-crushing units has also disrupted the supply chain for stone chips.
Long Delays Since 2017 Tender and COVID Halt
The tender for the project was issued in 2017, but work only began in December 2020 after delays in obtaining mandatory NoCs. The COVID pandemic further halted progress.
As of now, none of the floors of the G+6 building, whose construction began in December 2019, are ready.
Hopes of Partial Handover by June 2026
MMCH Principal Dr. P. N. Mahto said the agency has assured him that four storeys will be handed over by June 2026. “Interior fittings are going on. A large workforce is working on the ground floor and four floors above it,” he said.
Once these floors are ready, outpatient and emergency OPD services can begin.
Exterior Tiles Falling Off; Texture Paint Suggested
Tiles installed on the exterior walls have started falling due to temperature-related adhesive failure. The construction agency has proposed replacing the tiles with texture painting to avoid injuries and further damage.
