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Outrage as Kapurthala’s 90-year-old British-era hospital razed for medical college
Demolition of a nearly 90-year-old British-era hospital in Kapurthala to make way for a new medical institute has drawn protests from historians, royal family members, and residents. The project, valued at ₹275 crore, includes a 300-bed hospital and a medical college with 100 MBBS seats, aimed for completion by March 2028.
Why It Matters
The demolition raises questions about heritage preservation versus modernization and has drawn political and legal attention from local leaders and residents.
Timeline
9 Events
Deputy commissioner comments on the demolition matter
May 16, 2026
Deputy commissioner Akash Bansal said the matter was not in his notice and that he would check with the department concerned.
Demolition of the hospital building proceeds
May 16, 2026
The district administration demolished the nearly 90-year-old British-era hospital building to pave the way for the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji State Institute of Medical Sciences. The Lady Linlithgow TB Clinic remains, while two other blocks were razed and hospital operations were shifted to an adjacent building during reconstruction.
Congress MLA comments on preservation of outer facade
May 15, 2026
Rana Gurjeet Singh stated that Sandhawalia raised the issue with him on Friday and he would write to the Punjab chief secretary seeking preservation of the outer main facade.
BJP leader raises issue with chief secretary regarding demolition
May 15, 2026
Jasmine Sandhu Sandhawalia, BJP state vice-president, said she raised the issue with the Punjab chief secretary and would explore legal options to stop further demolition.
Tendering complete and work order issued for the project
March 2026
In March 2026, tendering formalities were completed and the work order was issued for the ₹275-crore project, with a target completion by March 2028.
Project announced as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji State Institute of Medical Sciences
2019
The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji State Institute of Medical Sciences project was announced by former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh during the Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th birth anniversary celebrations in 2019.
Construction completed of the hospital complex
1941
The hospital complex, built in phases, was completed in 1941.
Foundation stone laid for Lady Linlithgow TB Clinic
March 1940
The foundation stone for the Lady Linlithgow Tuberculosis Clinic was laid by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, in March 1940.
Construction of the Kapurthala civil hospital complex began
1937
The Kapurthala civil hospital complex was commissioned by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh and built in phases starting in 1937, as part of a project later described as completed in 1941.