The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared a major expansion project for Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital (SRNH) in Prayagraj, raising its capacity to 2,000 beds. On September 9, Principal Secretary Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma approved a 90-year land lease for the hospital at a nominal annual rent of just one rupee. The lease will initially run for 30 years, with renewals permitted every 30 years at the discretion of the district magistrate.
The move follows stern observations by the Allahabad High Court, which expressed concern over the hospital’s poor infrastructure and inefficiencies, and urged the state to act urgently.
Although plans for expansion have been underway for some time, land acquisition hurdles particularly from the Government Women’s Physical Training College and the Basic Education Department had stalled progress. Recently, however, the administration of Motilal Nehru Medical College managed to secure part of the required land, paving the way for faster development in view of the 2025 Maha Kumbh.
Dr. Raj Kumar Chaudhary, nodal officer of the trauma centre, informed that two new buildings are already under contract on the newly acquired site. A connecting road from the hospital to MG Road has also been built, improving accessibility. Certain government offices, including the residence of the Chief Development Officer (CDO), still occupy portions of the land but are slated to be relocated.
Currently, SRNH functions with 1,450 beds, including 52 in the trauma unit and 10 in the ICU. Under the expansion plan, the CDO’s residence will be shifted to a new premises across MG Road. Meanwhile, students of the Government Women’s Physical Training College will move to the newly established Institute for Advanced Study and Education (ISE), ensuring their academic programs continue without disruption.
Dr. V.K. Pandey, Principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College, confirmed that further land acquisition is being processed at the administrative level. Once the remaining land is secured, the hospital’s growth will pick up pace, strengthening healthcare services for the region.