Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates Rs 200 crore infrastructure at NIT Rourkela

Rourkela: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday inaugurated key infrastructure initiatives at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela.

It included the inauguration of Indoor Sports Complex and a 1000-seater open-air theatre, along with the foundation stone laying of three major projects, marking a significant milestone in the Institute’s academic and infrastructural development. The state-of-the-art complex has been developed at Rs 35 crore and is designed to promote sports, fitness, and holistic student development.

Built to international standards, the sports complex houses multipurpose hall with badminton lawn, tennis, and volleyball courts, Yoga, Dance, Music, and Drama halls, two double-height squash courts, basketball and badminton court, film and photography room, recreational hall, snooker/billiard, table tennis, carom and chess rooms, gymnasium etc.

The 1000-seater open-air theatre, built at a cost of Rs. 6 crore, is a key part of the Indoor Sports Complex, providing a vibrant hub for athletic, cultural, and recreational activities on campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said, “It is heartening to witness the remarkable progress of NIT Rourkela in advancing education, research, and innovation. The sports complex inaugurated today will help students reach new heights not only in sports but also in creative and cultural spheres. NIT Rourkela is nurturing future job creators through incubating startups. Its exploratory research is addressing sustainable development and critical challenges such as climate change and energy conservation. 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.”

Rourkela is not just a city but a symbol of India’s industrial and educational strength. As Odisha approaches its centenary in 2036 and the nation moves towards the centenary of Independence in 2047, institutions like NIT Rourkela will play a pivotal role in driving inclusive growth and national development, he added.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Director of NIT Rourkela Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao said, “Since its establishment, NIT Rourkela has remained steadfast in its mission to serve the nation through excellence in education, research, and innovation. NIT Rourkela proudly stands ranked 2nd among all NITs and 13th in Engineering Education nationwide in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025. Our Department of Planning and Architecture is ranked 7th in the country, and NIT Rourkela is the only NIT placed in the top ten for the Sustainable Development Goals, securing the 9th rank nationally.”

Deputy Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly Bhabani Shankar Bhoi said, “NIT Rourkela is a centre of excellence in innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurship, producing scientists, technocrats, and good administrators, who serve the nation with distinction.”

Among others, Rourkela MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak, Raghunathpalli MLA Durga Charan Tanti, and Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy were present.