Cusat plans ₹135-cr. research complex.

A research complex matching international standards and worth about ₹135 crore figures on top of the detailed project report submitted by the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) to the government as part of elevating the varsity to a world-class institution.

Land has been identified for setting up a common research complex that will house a state-of-the-art research laboratory and placement and IT centre on the Thrikkakara campus. The report was submitted after the government evinced keen interest in setting up the facility of international standards, utilising funds mobilised through its Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

“The first two floors will comprise instrumentation centres. It will set a model for the remaining varsities in the State to scale up its research initiatives on a global level. The complex will be a common facility for research undertaken by the faculties of science, marine science and technology,” said Vice Chancellor J. Letha.

Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac had earlier told The Hindu that the lab would be able to attract talents from across the world to Kerala. He had said that the facility could cater to the research and development needs of chemical, engineering and other industries in Kochi.

The second part of the proposal includes ensuring a mechanism for addressing the power requirements of the varsity. Ms. Letha said steps would be taken to ensure continuous power supply on the campus. Solar panels would also be set up to cut down on the power bills being incurred by the varsity.

The third part of the project will include renovation of roads and setting up an amphitheatre on the campus. The total project estimate is about ₹240 crore.

THE HINDU