The Gujarat government has announced plans to rebuild the hostel complex of B J Medical College that was severely damaged in last year’s AI-171 Air India plane crash, even as some families of the victims have demanded that the site be preserved as a memorial.
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the government will construct a new ultra-modern hostel facility at the same location at an estimated cost of Rs 105 crore.
The hostel complex had suffered extensive damage during the Air India AI-171 crash, one of the major aviation tragedies in the state. While reconstruction plans are moving forward, relatives of several victims have urged the authorities to establish a memorial at the site in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the accident.
The government is yet to announce whether any memorial structure or commemorative space will be included in the redevelopment project.
