Rourkela, December 27, 2025: Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for major infrastructure projects worth over ₹200 crore at National Institute of Technology Rourkela, marking a significant step towards strengthening higher education infrastructure with a strong focus on inclusivity, student well-being, and academic excellence.
The programme included the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Complex and a 1,000-seater open-air theatre, along with the Bhoomi Pujan and Shilanyas of three major academic and residential projects on campus.
The event was graced by Shri Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly, Shri Sarada Prasad Nayak, Hon’ble MLA Rourkela, Shri Durga Charan Tanti, Hon’ble MLA Raghunathpalli, and Shri Tankadhar Tripathy, Hon’ble MLA Jharsuguda.
World-Class Indoor Sports Complex at NIT Rourkela
The newly inaugurated Indoor Sports Complex, developed at a cost of ₹35 crore under the Student Activity Centre (SAC), has been built to international standards to promote sports, fitness, and holistic student development. The facility includes multipurpose courts, squash courts, gymnasium, yoga, dance, music and drama halls, indoor games rooms, and recreational spaces.
A key highlight is the ₹6 crore open-air theatre with a seating capacity of 1,000, envisioned as a vibrant hub for cultural, athletic, and recreational activities. The complex aims to host state and national-level sports events, positioning Rourkela as an emerging sports destination.
Minister Highlights Role of NIT Rourkela in Viksit Bharat @2047
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said the institute is playing a pivotal role in advancing education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Odisha. He noted that NIT Rourkela is nurturing future job creators through startups, innovation, and exploratory research addressing climate change, sustainability, and energy conservation.
“Rourkela is not just a city, but a symbol of India’s industrial and educational strength. As India moves towards 2047, institutions like NIT Rourkela will be central to inclusive growth and national development,” the Union Minister said.
Major Projects Launched
The Union Education Minister also laid the foundation stones for:
- Civil Engineering Department Building – Estimated cost ₹91.18 crore, strengthening advanced teaching and research infrastructure
- New Institute Guest House – Estimated cost ₹33.51 crore, enhancing campus hospitality for academicians and dignitaries
- MCL Hall of Residence (500-capacity Girls’ Hostel) – Estimated cost ₹55.35 crore, promoting inclusive campus growth, with ₹43.82 crore supported by MCL under CSR
The Minister also visited the construction site of the permanent Kendriya Vidyalaya at NIT Rourkela.
Over ₹800 Crore Infrastructure Expansion Planned
Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, highlighted the institute’s strong national standing, including 2nd rank among NITs and 13th in Engineering Education in NIRF 2025. He emphasized that the new infrastructure would further enhance NIT Rourkela’s position as a preferred destination for higher education.
Prof. Pradip Sarkar, Dean (Planning & Development), informed that over ₹800 crore worth of near-term and upcoming projects are in progress, including new hostels, faculty and staff residences, a Bhubaneswar extension academic building, a Kendriya Vidyalaya, and sustainable facilities such as a sewage treatment plant.
These initiatives collectively reflect a strong commitment to building a world-class, student-centric, and future-ready campus at NIT Rourkela.
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