Ranchi is likely to get its first state-owned old age home by March next year. Located close to Science City at Chiroundi, this 1,474 square-metre 50-bed structure will have all the amenities to give the elderly the homely feeling.

Currently, there are three private old age homes in the city. They are 25-bed Apna Ghar at Hesag, 25-bed Adarsh Vridha Sewasharam at Kulgu and 50-bed Senior Citizen Home at Bariatu.

So far, 60 per cent of foundation and lintel work have been completed. Executive engineer (EE) of building construction department Sunil Kumar said the home will have a reading room, kitchen, bathrooms, a lawn and other facilities to keep senior citizens happy.

"At present, it will be single storey structure. If needed, another storey can be built. Acme Construction, a local company, is doing the job. The project cost is Rs 2.86 crore," Kumar said.

Acme Construction proprietor Harbir Singh Saluja said work will gather pace after the rainy season.

"We started working three months ago. Despite all the rain, we completed 60 per cent of foundation and lintel work. Water-logging on the approach road is hindering work because we are facing difficulties in bringing materials and equipment," Saluja said.