DARBHANGA, March 29 -- The Union cabinet's approval of an additional Rs.700 crore for the proposed AIIMS in Darbhanga has drawn strong appreciation from Bihar BJP president and Darbhanga Town MLA Sanjay Saraogi and Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur, who termed the move a major step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region. The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25, enhances the total outlay for the project beyond the previously sanctioned Rs.1,264 crore. Both leaders said the additional allocation would significantly accelerate the long-pending project and help remove bottlenecks that had slowed its progress. Saraogi described the approval as a "historic and people-centric decision," expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union health minister J P Nadda for their commitment to Bihar's healthcare development. Citing Nadda's remarks in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Saraogi said the Centre is determined to complete the project on priority, adding that all major hurdles have now been resolved, paving the way for faster construction. Echoing similar sentiments, Darbhanga MP Thakur said the project would transform healthcare access for millions across north Bihar, including the Mithila and adjoining regions, as well as neighbouring areas of Nepal. He claimed the institute is expected to benefit nearly 150 million people, including residents of several districts in neighbouring Nepal and parts of the Northeast. Providing details on the progress, Thakur said construction activities have already begun, with work on a 5.3-km boundary wall underway at a cost of Rs.37.82 crore since May 1, 2025. He added that the main hospital structure will be built using a piling system, with the design prepared by the Indian Institute of Technology, and that the project is being executed in phases under strict supervision. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by PM Narendra Modi, and the Bihar government, led by chief minister Nitish Kumar, has provided 183 acres of land, including 93 acres earmarked for core infrastructure such as the hospital complex. Once completed, the 750-bed AIIMS will feature advanced medical facilities, including multiple speciality and super-speciality departments, operation theatres and critical care units. The institute is expected to cater to around 2,500 patients daily and will also offer 125 MBBS seats, with academic sessions initially starting with 50 students. Both leaders said the fresh allocation reflects the Centre's commitment to inclusive development and will give a decisive push to the Darbhanga AIIMS project....