Prayagraj:The Uttar Pradesh governmenthas approved an ambitious expansion plan for Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital (SRNH) in Prayagraj, which will increase its bed capacity to 2,000. On September 9, Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government, granted the hospital a 90-year land lease at an annual fee of just one rupee. The lease will initially be valid for 30 years, with the possibility of renewal every 30 years at the discretion of the district magistrate. This move comes in response to critical remarks by theAllahabad High Courtregarding the hospital’s infrastructure and operational inefficiencies, urging authorities to act swiftly. had previously reported that the Allahabad High Court has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating medical facilities in the state, urging the government to take immediate action before the situation worsens. Also Read:Allahabad HC slams disparity in medical infrastructure, seeks urgent reforms The hospital's expansion has been in the works for some time, with construction already underway on the campus to accommodate the increased bed capacity. However, acquiring land from neighbouring institutions presented significant challenges. The Government Women's Physical Training College and land controlled by the Basic Education Department were part of the land required, and bureaucratic hurdles had delayed the process. However, recent developments have provided a breakthrough. In a positive turn of events, the Motilal Nehru Medical College administration secured a portion of the land required for the expansion, facilitating the hospital’s growth ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh. Speaking to TOI, Dr Raj Kumar Chaudhary, nodal officer of the trauma centre, said that two new buildings have been constructed on the recently acquired land. Additionally, a road connecting the hospital campus to MG Road has been created, improving access to the facility. Some other govt buildings, including the residence of the chief development officer (CDO), are located within this complex but are also set to be relocated. Currently, SRNH operates with a total of 1,450 beds, including 52 beds in the trauma ward, with 10 beds in the ICU. The expansion plan also involves relocating the CDO’s residence to a new site across MG Road, clearing the way for the hospital’s growth. In addition, students currently enrolled at the Government Women's Physical Training College will be transferred to the newly established ISE – Institute for Advanced Study and Education, ensuring a seamless continuation of their education despite the move. Also Read:Supreme Court sets aside HC order directing Rs 25 lakh compensation for Gross Medical Negligence