Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils Rs 200-Cr Infra Projects at NIT Rourkela
He noted that NIT Rourkela plays a vital role in advancing education, research and innovation in Odisha, while contributing to the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Rourkela: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 200 crore at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, aimed at enhancing academic facilities, student well-being and inclusivity.
Key inaugurations included a state-of-the-art indoor sports complex, developed at a cost of Rs 35 crore, and a 1,000-seater open-air theatre built at Rs 6 crore. Pradhan also laid the foundation stone for three additional projects, significantly strengthening the institute’s campus infrastructure.
The indoor sports complex, developed under the Student Activity Centre, has been built to international standards. It houses a multipurpose sports hall, squash courts, gymnasium, yoga, dance and music halls, indoor games facilities, and dedicated spaces for cultural and creative activities. The open-air theatre is expected to serve as a vibrant hub for cultural programmes and help Rourkela host state- and national-level sporting events.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said the new facilities would enable students to excel not only in academics but also in sports and cultural pursuits. He noted that NIT Rourkela plays a vital role in advancing education, research and innovation in Odisha, while contributing to the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
“NIT Rourkela is nurturing future job creators through startups and cutting-edge research focused on sustainability, climate change and energy conservation,” Pradhan said, adding that the institute’s strong alumni network and research ecosystem would significantly contribute to India’s economic and industrial growth.
Describing Rourkela as a symbol of India’s industrial and educational strength, the minister said institutions like NIT Rourkela would be central to inclusive national development as Odisha approaches its centenary in 2036 and India marks 100 years of Independence in 2047.
The event was attended by Odisha Assembly Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, MLAs Sarada Prasad Nayak, Durga Charan Tanti and Tankadhar Tripathy, among others.