The State Government has finally tightened the screws on contractors executing key healthcare infrastructure projects in Nagpur after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed strong displeasure over delays, poor pace and shabby execution of works during his recent visit to the city. Acting on the Chief Minister’s observations, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued warning letters and imposed penalties on contractors handling ward renovation works at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and the medicine complex project at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH). Simultaneously, Nagpur Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (NMRDA) too has initiated strict action in connection with the under-construction Cancer Hospital project at GMCH.

 

The projects are considered crucial for Vidarbha’s already burdened public healthcare system, which caters not only to patients from eastern Maharashtra but also from adjoining Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Delays in these projects have triggered concerns as hospitals continue functioning under tremendous pressure with limited infrastructure. Sources said the Chief Minister had reviewed the progress of multiple ongoing projects during his Nagpur tour and openly expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace despite repeated instructions and availability of funds.

 

He reportedly questioned officials over missed deadlines and the poor quality of certain completed portions. Following the review, PWD swung into action and sought explanations from contractors associated with the renovation of wards at GMCH. PWD has started taking corrective measures. Officials found that some works were progressing at a snail’s pace while certain completed sections failed to meet expected standards. Warning notices were subsequently issued and monetary penalties were also imposed.

 

The construction work of the ‘Independent Hospital’ building in Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) is going too slow as only two storeys of this 11-floor building are ready at this juncture. The building, a dream project of Fadnavis, was expected to begin in 2019. But it got delayed because of change of guard in the State. It began in 2024 with 7-storey building but was increased to 11-floor. Till February, 2026, only two storeys were ready. Now, it has increased to third floor. Going with this speed, it may take 6-7 years to complete the building. The project is expected to significantly strengthen treatment facilities in the hospital, which handles a massive patient load every day. Officials admitted that the delay has affected expansion plans and patient convenience. 

 

There are 16-17 general wards in GMCH to be renovated. According to sources, Fadnavis expressed displeasure over the quality of work of renovation. The work needs speed plus quality as the wards house various types of patients. Though it is difficult to push the work as the patients are to be moved to other places while being treated, the work needs to be done with a momentum. In most wards walls are not in a proper shape, the washrooms in a bad condition, the nurses, doctors’ rooms are not in a condition where one can spend night. Similar is the condition of paying rooms in every ward.

 

The bhoomipujan of the 100-bedded cancer hospital was performed under GMCH in 2023. As per the plan the hospital was to be completed in December 2025 and become functional from January 2026. But if one visits the site one would realise the work is going on slowly. This is again the strong wish of Fadnavis. Initially Government sanctioned Rs 78 crore for this G+3 building which will have complete facilities, equipment needed to treat cancer patients. At present total project is likely to get about Rs 100 crore. One floor too was added to present G+3 structure. Unfortunately only ground floor is ready at this juncture. NMRDA has reportedly adopted a tougher stand regarding the ambitious Cancer Hospital project at GMCH. The project assumes significance as cancer patients from across Vidarbha are forced to wait for treatment due to inadequate infrastructure and overcrowding in existing facilities.

 

The delay has become a politically sensitive issue as the government had projected the hospital as a major healthcare boost for the region. Officials indicated that the agencies concerned have now been directed to accelerate work and adhere strictly to revised timelines. Senior authorities are expected to conduct periodic inspections to monitor progress. The developments also carry political significance because Nagpur is the home city of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and several high-profile infrastructure and healthcare projects are being closely monitored from the top level. The recent action against contractors is being viewed as an attempt by the government to send a message that delays and poor-quality work in critical public health projects will not be tolerated.