The Mantram Surgical Robot Yatra, a nationwide mobile exhibition and training programme showcasing indigenous robotic surgery platforms, made a significant stop in Dehradun on January 17–18, 2026. Hosted at Doon Medical College and Hospital in collaboration with the Uttarakhand government and local surgical societies, the event brought cutting-edge robotic technology directly to clinicians and students in the region.

The Yatra is a collaborative effort led by Indian medtech manufacturers prominently featuring the SSI Mantra system developed by SS Innovations International alongside supporting companies providing compatible instruments, imaging modules, and simulation tools. The programme is supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology as part of the broader mission to promote indigenous medical device innovation and reduce dependence on expensive imported robotic systems.

During the Dehradun leg, participants observed live telesurgery demonstrations, interacted with robotic consoles on advanced simulators, and attended workshops on system setup, maintenance, and clinical workflows. Special sessions focused on robotic-assisted procedures in urology, gynaecology, thoracic surgery, and general surgery specialties where precision and minimally invasive techniques can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Raghuveer Reddy, a senior robotic surgeon who led one of the live demonstration teams, said: “The biggest barrier to robotic surgery adoption in India has been access and familiarity. Bringing the technology to doctors in cities like Dehradun, rather than asking them to travel to metros, is exactly what is needed to democratise this life-changing capability.”

The event also included discussions on the economics of robotic surgery in tier-2 and tier-3 hospitals. Presenters highlighted that Indian-made systems cost 40–60% less than leading imported platforms, potentially making robotic procedures viable in smaller private hospitals and select government institutions. Attendees were briefed on financing models, training pathways, and government incentives under the PLI scheme for medical devices.

The Yatra has already covered major cities including Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow, and is scheduled to continue to Patna, Bhopal, Jaipur, and Kolkata in the coming months. Organisers aim to reach at least 25 cities by the end of 2026, training more than 2,000 surgeons and creating a nationwide network of robotic surgery-ready clinicians.

The initiative reflects India’s growing ambition to lead in surgical robotics innovation and manufacturing. With indigenous systems now receiving regulatory clearances and showing clinical equivalence in early studies, events like the Mantram Yatra are helping build confidence among doctors, hospital administrators, and policymakers.