Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over persistent delays in infrastructure and civic facilities at the Chamiyana super speciality hospital and issued time-bound directions to multiple shntate agencies, warning senior officers of personal appearance if compliance is not ensured.
Taking serious note of the matter, the court directed that street lights be installed and the required amount be deposited with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board for removal of electricity poles and high-tension transmission lines by January 30, 2026.
The court further ordered that the metalling work on a 200-metre stretch be completed within the same deadline. While the maintenance responsibility lies with M/s Gawar Shimla Highway Private Limited, the bench made it clear that the state government must first complete the stretch by January 30, 2026, in line with earlier directions issued on July 31, 2025.
A major concern flagged by the court was the acute shortage of parking at the hospital.
Despite the requirement for parking around 1,000 vehicles, the existing provision is for only 60 vehicles, which the court termed grossly inadequate for a speciality hospital.
The issue had been raised as early as September 6, 2024, with a request sent to the Assistant Engineer, HPPWD (Civil), Winter Field Sub-Division No. 1, Shimla.
The court has now directed the Secretary, HPPWD, to file an affidavit explaining how the parking problem will be addressed by the next date of hearing, failing which his personal presence will be required.
The bench also took note of the lack of public transport connectivity to Chamiyana, particularly from ISBT Tutikandi and IGMC Shimla.
The Managing Director of HRTC has been asked to file an affidavit detailing steps proposed to improve travel facilities to the hospital.
On the issue of blood bank facilities, the court recorded the response of the Secretary (Health) dated November 24, 2025, stating that while a blood storage unit is currently available, a fully functional blood bank is proposed in the additional hospital block under construction.
The work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026, and the court directed that necessary licences be applied for, if required.
The court also acknowledged the role of NGO Almighty Blessing, which is providing free meals to patients and attendants.
It directed the authorities to temporarily allot space to the NGO so that people can have meals at a designated place instead of sitting on the roadside.
Issuing a stern warning, the High Court made it clear that if the required steps are not taken by the next hearing, the concerned secretaries will be summoned to court to explai5n the delay.
The bench noted that these officers were present before the court as far back as December 5, 2024, and despite more than a year having passed, the progress on the ground has fallen far short of expectations.
