In a significant development, Patna University (PU) is poised to undergo a substantial transformation in the year ahead. The completion of two separate G+9 girls’ hostels, coupled with the construction of academic and administrative complexes, is expected to give the 107-year-old institution a much-needed facelift.
PU Registrar, Khagendra Kumar, informed this newspaper that the construction of the ambitious academic and administrative complexes is nearing completion. “A G+11 academic block, costing Rs 88 crore, and a G+9 administrative block, with an expenditure of Rs 58 crore, are both in progress,” he stated.
Additionally, PU has secured a grant of Rs 163 crore for the development of two G+9 girls’ hostels opposite GDS Mahila Chhatravas at Krishna Kunj, a four-storied staff quarter, and a G+7 science block on the eastern side of the Patna Science College building on Ashok Rajpath.
This development addresses the long-standing need for enhanced academic and residential facilities within the university. An international hostel, constructed over 15,742 sq ft, will become operational this year, catering to overseas scholars. The hostel features 24 well-furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, attached bathrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Khagendra Kumar highlighted the ongoing development program for PU’s south campus, adjacent to the upcoming science city. Estimated at a cost of Rs 750 crore, the initiative includes the construction of an adequate number of quarters for teachers and staff, along with hostels for students.
On the academic front, PU’s newly constructed Incubation Hub is set to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among the university’s talented students. The recently built Central Instrumentation Facility Centre (CIFC) on the main campus boasts advanced research instruments in physical sciences.
Excitingly, PU is introducing a postgraduate course in forensic science in 2024, a pioneering move for the state. The groundwork for this much-needed course has already been completed.