GMC Handwara delay reaches Parliament; Govt pushes timeline to 2027–28

Kupwara, Dec 12: The long-delayed Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara project came under focus in the Rajya Sabha after Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan questioned the central government over its slow pace of execution.

The newly elected MP sought clarity on the reasons for the prolonged delay and the status of the request to extend the project’s sunset date to March 2027.

Responding to his query, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel informed the House that the project timeline has now been officially extended up to the financial year 2027–28.

The Minister’s assurance has renewed hopes for the timely completion of the much-awaited institution, which, once functional, is expected to become a vital healthcare lifeline for residents of frontier district Kupwara and neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society Forum Handwara, in a press conference, welcomed Chowdry Ramzan’s intervention in Parliament. They urged the government to resume construction at the Gund Chogal site without further delay so that the project is completed within the newly extended timeline.

Ramzan also raised several other key infrastructural issues in the Upper House, including the long-pending demand for the construction of the Bandipora–Lolab road and the development of a four-lane corridor from Sangrama to Chowkibal via Sopore and Handwara.

Responding to these queries, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the Ministry will examine the proposals and undertake necessary feasibility studies. He added that Detailed Project Reports for both projects will be prepared following technical evaluation, after which further action will be initiated.