
IIT Mandi to Set Up Extension Campus in Palampur, Boosting Education and Innovation in Himachal
- HIMACHALPOLITICS
- February 2, 2025
- No Comment
- 169
Palampur, February 2, 2025 – In a significant stride towards advancing higher education and technological research in Himachal Pradesh, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is set to establish an extension campus in Palampur. The new campus will span approximately 52 hectares, further strengthening the state’s reputation as an emerging educational hub. The announcement was made by Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor (Innovation, Digital Technologies, and Governance) to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, during an event in Palampur.
Butail, who also serves as a board member of IIT Mandi Catalyst, the institute’s premier startup incubator, played a pivotal role in advocating for the expansion of IIT Mandi to Palampur. His efforts align with the state government’s broader vision of transforming Palampur and Kangra into a leading center for technology, research, and higher education in Northern India.
As part of this initiative, 22 hectares of land in Bhagotla village have already been allotted to IIT Mandi on lease under the Technical Education Department. An additional 31 hectares are in the process of being submitted for Forest Conservation Act (FCA) clearance from the central government. Once approvals are secured, the construction of the extension campus will commence, paving the way for specialized courses in next-generation technologies.
Palampur is strategically positioned as an ideal location for this prestigious institution, given its existing educational and research infrastructure. The town is home to renowned institutes such as CSKHPKV Agricultural University and CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology. Moreover, improved connectivity, including the upcoming four-lane highway, will significantly reduce travel time to the Pathankot broad gauge railway station to under two hours. The planned expansion of Dharamshala (Gaggal) Airport will further enhance accessibility, making Palampur an attractive destination for students, researchers, and industry experts.
The IIT Mandi Extension Campus will focus on cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technology, Sustainable Technology, and Management Programs. This expansion aims to foster innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, providing students with access to world-class education and industry-driven expertise. Additionally, the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers in the region.
Gokul Butail emphasized that the establishment of IIT Mandi’s new campus marks a major milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards technological and educational excellence. With Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s vision of making Palampur a premier technology hub, this initiative will drive economic growth, research advancements, and skill development, further reinforcing the region’s position as a center for innovation and higher learning.
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