Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday inaugurated a series of major infrastructure projects and laid foundation stones for new developments worth over Rs 200 crore at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT-R). The event marked a significant boost to the institute's facilities aimed at holistic student development.
Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Facilities
The ceremony began with the inauguration of a Rs 35-crore indoor sports complex under the Student Activity Centre (SAC). This modern facility is built to international standards and is designed to promote sports, fitness, and overall student growth. The complex features a versatile multipurpose hall with courts for badminton, lawn tennis, and volleyball. It also includes dedicated spaces for yoga, dance, music, and drama.
Other amenities within the complex are two double-height squash courts, basketball and badminton courts, film and photography rooms, a recreational hall, and dedicated rooms for snooker/billiards, table tennis, carom, and chess. A fully equipped gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, and locker facilities complete this comprehensive sports hub.
Pradhan also inaugurated a 1,000-seater open-air theatre, constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore. This theatre is integrated into the complex and is set to become a vibrant center for cultural, athletic, and recreational activities on the NIT Rourkela campus.
Foundation Stones for Future Development
The minister performed the ground-breaking ceremony for three new high-value projects. These include a new building for the civil engineering department, estimated to cost Rs 91.18 crore. A guesthouse for visiting academicians, industry experts, dignitaries, and alumni will be developed with an investment of Rs 33.51 crore.
Furthermore, a new 500-seat girls' hostel will be constructed at a cost of Rs 55.35 crore. Notably, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has sanctioned Rs 43.82 crore of the total project cost under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Leaders Hail Institute's Progress
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his admiration for NIT Rourkela's growth. "It is heartening to witness the remarkable progress of NIT-Rourkela in advancing education, research, and innovation," he said. "With its vibrant alumni community around the globe, I am confident that the Institute will play a decisive role in shaping India’s economic and industrial future."
NIT Rourkela Director, Professor K Umamaheshwar Rao, highlighted the institute's achievements. "We are honoured by the gracious presence of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. NIT-R proudly stands ranked second among all NITs and 13th in engineering education nationwide in the National Institutional Ranking Framework 2025," he stated.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Rourkela MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak, Raghunathpalli MLA Durga Charan Tanti, and Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy. Minister Pradhan also visited the construction site of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at NIT Rourkela during his visit.
