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Shimla, April 25 Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace of development of basic amenities at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS), Chamyana, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued stringent directions, including a warning to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to withhold payments to M/s Gawar if road maintenance work is not completed within the stipulated timeframe.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi, while hearing a suo motu PIL, observed on Thursday that continued administrative delays had necessitated judicial monitoring to ensure that the premier healthcare facility becomes fully accessible and functional for the public.
The Bench took serious note of the deteriorating condition of the approach road, attributing it to lack of maintenance by NHAI and its concessionaire, M/s Gawar, coupled with movement of heavy machinery. It directed that if the work is not completed by May 30, 2026, no further payments should be released to the concessionaire in any ongoing NHAI projects.
Reviewing the compliance status of its earlier orders, the Court examined a six-point action plan concerning widening of the approach road, installation of solar lighting, metalling of road stretches, parking facilities, transport connectivity, and provision of space for charitable food services. While partial compliance was reported in certain areas such as signage and public transport, the Court made it clear that fragmented progress would not meet the required standards.
On the issue of parking, the Bench placed responsibility on the Principal/Medical Superintendent of AIMSS Chamyana to ensure development of adequate parking space for up to 1,000 vehicles. It directed the filing of a detailed affidavit explaining steps taken in this regard over the past several months.
Addressing the immediate needs of patients and attendants, the Court also directed authorities to identify suitable space within the hospital premises for NGO “Almighty Blessing” to run a temporary langar facility, noting that such humanitarian support cannot be delayed on procedural grounds.
The Bench further directed that key infrastructure works, including road widening and shifting of electricity lines, be completed within fixed timelines, preferably before the onset of the monsoon season.
Significantly, the Court observed that the hospital, located on the outskirts of Shimla, appeared to have been established without adequate planning for accessibility and supporting infrastructure, thereby limiting its utility for the general public.
The matter has been listed for further compliance on May 25, 2026, with the Court expecting tangible progress on the ground rather than routine status reports.
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