Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is stepping up efforts to reshape the SCB Medical College and Hospital campus in Cuttack, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to fast-track major construction, parking and connectivity projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery and easing congestion around the premier medical institution.
At a review meeting on Monday, Majhi assessed the progress of the ongoing redevelopment project and stressed that the new infrastructure should be completed within the prescribed timelines without compromising on quality.
Four new clinical blocks under construction
Officials informed the Chief Minister that work on four new clinical blocks and a residential block at the SCB Medical Complex is progressing rapidly. The residential facility is nearing completion, while the four clinical blocks are targeted for completion by June next year.
Majhi also called for an additional block for the Medicine department. He directed the concerned authorities to identify suitable land and submit a proposal at the earliest to meet the growing healthcare requirements of the hospital.
MLCP to ease congestion around SCB
The Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) being developed under the first phase of the project was another key focus of the review.
The Chief Minister said the facility should significantly improve parking and traffic movement for patients, attendants, doctors and other visitors to the medical campus. Officials said it would also help reduce congestion around the nearby Acharya Harihar Cancer Institute.
Majhi directed officials to complete the MLCP and the associated Taladanda Canal traffic corridor within the stipulated timeframe.
Wider roads, beautification along Taladanda Canal
The Chief Minister also called for comprehensive development of both sides of the Taladanda Canal adjoining the hospital.
He directed the authorities to develop wider roads and undertake beautification measures along the corridor to improve connectivity as well as create a more organised and pleasant environment around the medical complex.
Infrastructure and beautification works involving nearby institutions, including Bose Engineering School, Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute and Odisha State Maritime Museum, are also being integrated with the larger development plan.
Hanuman Vatika development reviewed
The meeting also reviewed plans for the development of Hanuman Vatika in Rourkela, an important religious and tourist destination.
Majhi directed the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited to ensure that new structures within the complex reflect its spiritual character. He also called for expediting ongoing and proposed works, including the Kalyan Mandap.
At the same time, the Chief Minister stressed that development should not compromise the sanctity or natural surroundings of the religious site. The Works Department was asked to prepare a detailed project report for beautification outside the temple, including wider pathways and lighting facilities.
The government also plans to strengthen basic infrastructure at the site to improve convenience for devotees while preserving its religious and environmental character.
Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shashwat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Works Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health Department Ashwathi S., OBCC Managing Director Anupam Shah, Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde and CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota attended the review meeting.
