Nagpur: Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) has been appointed as structural consultant for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Though the work, at present, is confined to the 5-km at-grade patch between the airport and MIHAN, Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation ltd (NMRCL) has plans to broaden VNIT’s role for the entire project.
“Earlier, the NMRCL had planned to approach IITs at Mumbai and Delhi for the task. We invited NMRCL officials and convinced them about the institute’s capability to do the task as we have same infrastructure and facilities here itself. They agreed and appointed VNIT as structural consultant,” said Vikram Jamdar, chairman, board of governors, VNIT. The institute as a consultancy has already started verifying the structural designs.
In another development, 20 students from VNIT have joined the NMRCL. NMRCL managing director Brajesh Dixit, said, “The engineers recruited from VNIT are doing great work. “The students have been appointed as trainee engineers. In 2 years, they will be absorbed as permanent staffers,” he said.
Dixit also informed that after the last academic session, 10 students were recruited and this year another 10 have joined. “Next year, we plan to absorb more talent from the institute,” he said.
At present, all departments of the VNIT are spread over the campus area. “VNIT is constructing a G+6 building which will act as a common block for all the departments,” Jamdar said, adding construction has already started. He said, “From the next academic session, the whole block will become operational.”
Jamdar also informed that the institute is setting up a sewage treatment plant (STP) on the campus itself. Some of the treated water will be used on the premises for gardening purpose while remaining will be discharged into Nag river,” he said.
Institute’s academic dean Dr VK Deshpande, institute director Dr Narendra Deshpande and registrar Dr SR Sathe were also present at the press briefing 14th convocation on Sept 15
VNIT will be holding its 14th convocation on September 15. Chief guest will be college alumni MS Unnikrishnan, managing director and CEP of Thermax Limited, Pune. The institute will be awarding 1,139 degrees. VNIT will also be felicitating students and research scholars with 105 medals, prizes and awards. Sheikh Mohammed Danish, a student of computer science with the highest CGPA score of 9.88 will receive Sir Visvesvaraya gold medal. Idris Mestafa Manaqibwala from civil department will receive the highest number of awards. Gaurav Hirani is the receiver of Hemant Karkare award.
It will be awarding 49 doctor of philosophy, five master of technology by research. 332 MTech, 53 MSc, 647 bachelor of technology in various engineering disciplines and 53 in Bachelor of Architecture.
