Cochin University of Science and Technology moots Rs 240 crore world-class plan

KOCHI: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) is set to place a Rs 240-crore project before Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for investment to make it a world-class research university. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) drawn up by project consultant KITCO, has been submitted to the State Government for its clearance before being placed before KIIFB. Top-class instruments worth Rs 135 crore alone will be purchased to take Cusat to the top league.

“Both main campus and the lake side campus of the university will get the benefit of the uplift. The project has been prepared and submitted as per the advice of the Finance Minister Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac. “We propose to make an ideal situation in the university for high-end research that will benefit the society apart from the researchers and faculty at the university,” said Dr J. Letha, vice-chancellor of the university. New subjects too will be identified for research and researchers who aspire for top class facilities too will be attracted to the university.

Facility for video-conferencing with top university researchers across the globe too will be readied. It is proposed to construct common instrumentation centres and lecture halls at the main and lakeside campuses while a placement complex has been mooted at the main campus. Existing research labs will be modernized while new labs will be added with new equipment. “We propose to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the labs by adding solar power system. There will bio-gas and rain water harvesting system also and our approach is eco-friendly. The roads on both campuses too will be upgraded to top level. An international guest house, amphi theatre and swimming pool too will be added to the infrastructure facilities,” said the Vice-Chancellor.