Karyavattom campus to be made centre of excellence

KITE to prepare project report for ₹322.60-crore initiative

The Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) has been roped in as the special purpose vehicle to undertake Kerala University’s project to elevate the Karyavattom campus as a centre of excellence.

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)-funded project, expected to cost ₹322.60 crore, gained momentum with the Education Department issuing work order to KITE for preparing the detailed project report (DPR).

The Syndicate had earlier approved the preliminary project report and master plan prepared by HLL Infra Tech Services Ltd. (HITES), a subsidiary of HLL Lifecare Ltd. The project is being spearheaded at the Syndicate by finance standing committee chairman K.H. Babujan, who is also the chairman of the subcommittee for the project preparation.

Two components

The project is broadly divided into two components, one pertaining to the overall infrastructure development of the campus, and the other, provision of cutting-edge technology. As part of the former, for which ₹146 crore has been earmarked, a multi-disciplinary R&D centre, school academic complex, Chancellor’s academic complex and international guest house and hostel have been proposed.

Separate multi-storey hostels for men and women, indoor sports complex, a campus administration- cum-amenity block are also envisaged in the master plan.

While ₹104 crore will be expended for acquiring equipment required for research, the department heads and faculty have been requested to provide the specifications of the required items.

The master plan also envisages setting up rainwater harvesting pits, solar power systems, waste management facility, landscaping, as well as the development of a green belt that will include wild bamboo gardens.