In a significant move, the Gujarat government has approved the construction of a new super specialty hostel complex for postgraduate doctors, nearly a year after the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that resulted in the loss of 260 lives. The existing accommodation facilities, known as the ‘Atulyam 1 to 4’ blocks, were severely damaged during the crash and have been declared unsafe for habitation, leading to their demolition. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya made the announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure student accommodation is not disrupted.
The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a London-bound Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after take-off. Tragically, only one of the 242 passengers and crew members on board survived, while several individuals on the ground also lost their lives as the aircraft struck residential buildings. The incident caused extensive damage to the Health Department properties located near the impact site, prompting the urgent need for new infrastructure.
- New hostel complex at ₹105 crore — The state government plans to construct a new hostel at the New Mental Campus, equipped with modern amenities.
- Accommodating 236 postgraduate doctors — Designed to house married postgraduate doctors, the facility will enhance living conditions for healthcare professionals.
- Immediate construction to ensure safety — The government aims to expedite the project to provide safe accommodation for students affected by the crash.
Pansheriya noted that the Health Department will oversee the construction of the new hostel, which is expected to have a ground-plus-eight-floor structure featuring studio-style apartments, complete with essential facilities like a fire-fighting system and a reverse osmosis (RO) plant. This project is particularly timely, given the addition of 48 new super specialty seats in the medical sector, which will require adequate accommodation for incoming students.
The decision to build the new hostel reflects a commitment to bolstering the healthcare infrastructure in Gujarat, especially in light of the increased demand for medical education and training. The state government has already allocated land for the project, with a budgetary provision of ₹34.65 crore approved for the current phase to ensure timely completion. This initiative not only aims to address the immediate housing needs of students but also to enhance the overall educational environment for future healthcare professionals in the state.
