Vilappilsala KTU campus plan regains momentum

Thiruvananthapuram: The long-pending plan to establish the permanent headquarters of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) at Vilappilsala in the capital has gained fresh momentum, with preliminary works gathering pace after years of uncertainty and administrative hurdles.Initial activities have commenced at the 50-acre site, including construction of a compound wall for boundary demarcation and preparatory infrastructure works. PWD has also been tasked with drilling a borewell to address water scarcity in the area, a key concern that earlier slowed down site development. Road works leading to the proposed campus have also begun, improving accessibility to the former waste treatment plant site. Sources close to the project said that construction of two key sub-blocks, staff quarters and a translational research centre, will begin shortly. The translational research centre is envisioned as a crucial component linking academic research with industry applications, in line with the university's long-term innovation goals.Meanwhile, the university is preparing to renew its agreement with the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society, which was awarded the contract for constructing the administrative block in 2022. The project hit a roadblock after the contractor sought a revision in cost owing to escalation in material and labour expenses. Officials indicated that a fresh agreement will be signed soon, subject to legal scrutiny.The headquarters project, estimated to cost over Rs 1,000 crore and planned in multiple phases, will include administrative, academic and hostel blocks, along with research and incubation facilities. The project was earlier stalled due to a prolonged standoff between the former vice-chancellor and members of the university syndicate, which even affected budget approvals and development decisions. Of the total land, around four acres have been earmarked for the proposed outer ring road project, while the remaining area will house the university campus. The strategic location of Vilappilsala, which is witnessing rapid transformation with proposed projects such as an EV industrial park and a science park nearby, is expected to boost the academic and research ecosystem in the region.KTU VC Ciza Thomas expressed optimism about the progress, stating that the university is committed to completing the headquarters within the stipulated timeframe."We have resolved the earlier bottlenecks and are moving forward in a phased and structured manner. Preliminary works have already begun, and key construction activities will commence soon. We are confident that the project will be completed as per schedule and will emerge as a major centre for technological education and research in the state," she told TOI.