Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Madurai on February 28 to launch the eagerly awaited first phase of AIIMS at Thoppur, as per BJP insiders. This step forward ends years of anticipation for a project plagued by bureaucratic snarls and inter-government friction.
The institute, promised before the 2019 polls, faced repeated setbacks over land and funds, fueling ongoing Centre-state tensions. Officials now report the campus is primed for partial operations, with CEO M. Hanumant Rao confirming the PM’s nod for the launch.
By March, basic outpatient services and key blocks will welcome patients. Students currently at Ramanathapuram’s interim setup will relocate, though full academics kick off only in 2026-27. It’s a pragmatic start to building South India’s premier medical hub.
Timing couldn’t be more charged, with state elections looming. AIIMS has been election fodder, with DMK slamming the BJP-led Centre for hype without delivery. Stalin’s recent barbs on the delays amplify the stakes.
Beyond the inauguration, Modi is likely to unveil sundry infrastructure wins and rally NDA partners in a public rally. Party strategists see this as a masterstroke, positioning the alliance as deliverers of real progress amid Tamil Nadu’s healthcare push.
The visit promises to spotlight Madurai’s transformation, bridging political divides through tangible development. As details firm up, all eyes are on how this flagship project reshapes regional health dynamics.