MoD Clears Warje Multispecialty Hospital: Pune’s First FDI-Funded Public Healthcare Project Set to Begin Construction
The Ministry of Defence has cleared the Warje Multispecialty Hospital project in Pune, paving the way for construction to begin.
Funded by Dutch FDI under India’s first ECA model, the hospital will focus on maternal and cancer care, with a 2027 launch target.
Dilip Shekhawat
Pune, April 11, 2025: In a major breakthrough for public healthcare infrastructure in Pune, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted the much-awaited No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the proposed multispecialty hospital in Warje. The approval clears the final regulatory hurdle for construction to commence on the ambitious project, which is expected to transform the region’s medical landscape.
The hospital, a flagship initiative by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), is being developed in partnership with Netherlands-based semi-governmental agencies under the Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing model. This marks the first time a public healthcare facility in India will be fully funded through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), amounting to €43 million.
The proposed site falls within a highly sensitive “funnel red zone” near the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla — an area critical to military aviation training. This led to extended delays and over a year of bureaucratic back-and-forth before defence clearance was secured.
Project Revived After Bhoomipujan Stalled
The project’s ceremonial bhoomipujan had taken place ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. However, the lack of MoD clearance had stalled any tangible development, sparking criticism from local residents and activists.
Commissioner of PMC Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, who identified the zoning challenge upon assuming charge, led a persistent follow-up campaign with the Ministry. With strong backing from the Chief Minister’s Office and support from Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol and State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, the permissions were finally obtained this week.
“It is based on joint efforts and robust follow-ups by PMC and our team. The Defence NOC holds paramount importance, as without it, even environmental clearances were out of reach. Now that we’ve secured it, construction work can finally begin” said Ambar Ayde, MD & CEO of Rural Enhancers, the firm tasked with implementing the project under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.
Ayde added that the project stems from an MoU signed during the World Economic Forum at Davos. Rural Enhancers plans to launch at least five such hospitals across Maharashtra, with one dedicated entirely to cancer care.
Key Features of the Warje Multispecialty Hospital
- Mother and Child Super-Specialty Unit: Will be the largest of its kind in Maharashtra.
- Oncology Services: Advanced cancer care and research facilities planned.
- Equity in Access: 10–20% of beds reserved for economically weaker sections.
- Integrated Schemes: All state government health schemes to be implemented.
- Financial Model: €43 million ECA-based FDI; insured by Dutch government.
- Revenue Model: PMC to earn annual income from hospital operations.
A ₹17.5 crore bank guarantee has also been secured to ensure execution and financial discipline throughout the construction phase. A steering committee will be formed to oversee quality, timelines, and governance of the facility.
Whats Next?
Construction is expected to begin once environmental clearance and final state-level approvals are received. If all goes as planned, the hospital is expected to open its doors to the public by 2027.
Follow Us : https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/_4XX-2Nxg
Also Read : https://newsdotz.com/msrtc-bus-safety-mumbai-tech-upgrade/
