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India is set to significantly expand its mental health infrastructure with the proposed establishment of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-2 (NIMHANS-2) in northern India. The announcement was made during the Union Budget 2026–27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of a broader effort to improve access to specialized mental health services across the country.
The proposed institute is expected to follow the model of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru, one of India’s most prominent institutions for mental health and neurological sciences. The Bengaluru campus has long been recognized for its integrated approach that combines advanced psychiatric treatment, cutting-edge neuroscience research, and specialized training for mental-health professionals. By adopting a similar framework, the new institute aims to bring high-quality clinical care, academic excellence, and research capabilities to northern India, helping expand access to specialized mental-health services across the region.
According to government statements, NIMHANS-2 will follow the same integrated model as the original institute in Bengaluru. This means the facility will combine treatment, education, and research in mental health and neuroscience.
Key areas expected to be prioritized include:
Specialized services for mood disorders, psychosis, addiction, and trauma-related conditions.
Studies focused on brain disorders, neurological conditions, and emerging psychiatric treatments.
Education and training programs for psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and mental health professionals.
Support systems for patients experiencing severe psychological crises or neurological injuries.
The central government’s decision comes amid growing concerns about the lack of advanced mental health institutions in northern India. According to the finance minister, there are currently no national-level mental health institutes serving the region, forcing many patients to travel long distances for specialized treatment.
By establishing NIMHANS-2, policymakers aim to address several critical gaps:
Improve access to psychiatric and neurological care in northern states
Strengthen mental health research and medical training
Provide trauma and rehabilitation services
Reduce pressure on existing national institutes
The institute will also be part of a broader strategy to strengthen mental health infrastructure across India.
India’s mental health care system has been under increasing strain in recent years due to growing awareness, population needs, and post-pandemic psychological challenges.
The Bengaluru-based NIMHANS has witnessed a dramatic rise in patient demand. In 2025 alone, the institute recorded more than 6.8 lakh patient visits, reflecting a growing reliance on specialized psychiatric services nationwide.
Additionally:
Thousands of neurosurgeries are performed annually at NIMHANS
Millions of diagnostic tests are conducted
Research output has grown significantly, with thousands of studies published in recent years
These figures illustrate the increasing demand for mental health care across the country and highlight why expanding infrastructure has become a national priority.
The proposal for NIMHANS-2 is part of a broader national effort to strengthen mental health care delivery across India. According to information released by the Press Information Bureau, the government has been working to expand psychiatric services through multiple initiatives under the National Mental Health Programme and the District Mental Health Programme.
These programs aim to integrate mental health services into public healthcare systems, allowing treatment and counseling services to reach people at district and community levels. Officials say expanding specialized institutes like National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences while strengthening local mental-health programs could help bridge long-standing gaps in access to psychiatric care.
The initiative reflects a growing policy focus on improving mental-health infrastructure, training professionals, and ensuring that specialized services are available to a wider population across the country
Alongside the announcement of NIMHANS-2, the government also plans to upgrading existing mental health institutes in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Tezpur (Assam) into regional apex institutions. Also Read
These upgrades are intended to:
Expand advanced psychiatric treatment facilities
Improve training for mental health professionals
Enhance trauma care services
Support research in neuroscience and behavioral sciences
Experts say the combined expansion could significantly improve regional mental health capacity.
Public health experts and mental health professionals have welcomed the proposal, calling it an important step toward bridging regional disparities in mental health care.
Many specialists have long argued that India’s mental health infrastructure remains unevenly distributed, with major facilities concentrated in southern or metropolitan regions.
By establishing NIMHANS-2 in northern India, the government aims to create a more balanced national network of specialized mental health institutions.
Mental health advocates say the new institute could play a transformative role in improving access to treatment for millions of people across northern states.
If implemented successfully, NIMHANS-2 could:
Reduce travel barriers for psychiatric care
Expand research on mental health disorders
Improve training for the mental health workforce
Strengthen trauma and crisis intervention services
The move also signals that mental health is receiving greater policy attention in India’s healthcare agenda.
The establishment of NIMHANS-2 represents more than just a new medical institute — it reflects a broader shift toward recognizing mental health as a national public health priority.
As India continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure, initiatives like this could help close long-standing gaps in psychiatric care and ensure that mental health services become more accessible across regions.
Disclaimer: This content, including any advice shared here, is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional or your personal physician for specific concerns. Lyfsmile does not assume responsibility for the use or interpretation of this information.
Feeling suicidal or in crisis? Contact a helpline or emergency service immediately.
1. Vandrevala Foundation Helpline:
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2. Sanjivini (Delhi-based):
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3. Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based):
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4. National Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019
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