Cabinet Clears Rs 118.28 Billion Expansion for 5 IITs

08 May 2025 CW Team

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of academic and infrastructure capacity at five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) — Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Jammu, and Dharwad — with a total investment of Rs 118.28 billion to be spent over four years from 2025–26 to 2028–29.

The expansion will increase student intake by over 6,500, boosting total capacity from 7,111 to 13,687 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. The move includes Phase-B construction, enhanced facilities, and the creation of 130 faculty positions at the Professor level (Level 14 and above).

To further bolster industry-academia collaboration, five new state-of-the-art research parks will be set up — one at each of the expanding IITs — aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial research partnerships.

The initiative is expected to significantly boost employment through faculty and staff recruitment and indirectly stimulate local economies via increased demand for services and infrastructure. The expansion aligns with the Budget 2025–26 announcement, which noted a 100% rise in total IIT student strength in the last decade — from 65,000 to 135,000—and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education in India.

These five IITs, established post-2014 and now operating from their permanent campuses, will play a vital role in enhancing access to quality technical education nationwide and contribute to India’s innovation-driven growth.

(PIB)

Real Estate

14 May 2026

AIDO Launches Smart Hotel Lock for Hospitality Spaces

AIDO, an endorsed brand of dormakaba, has launched the AIDO Hotel Lock, designed to improve secure and seamless access management across hotels, serviced residences and institutional spaces. The solution combines smart security, operational efficiency and contemporary design to support modern hospitality requirements.The lock features integrated electronic mortise functionality, reverse lifting handle locking and compatibility with third-party property management system platforms, enabling smoother room access and check-in operations. Powered by 6V DC with four AA alkaline batteries, it offers..

Häfele Unveils Zenith Digital Lock

Häfele has introduced the Zenith Digital Lock, designed to enhance home security through smart technologies and versatile locking functions. Finished in Black and Grey, the lock blends with modern interiors while offering a refined, tech-enabled access experience.The lock features Smart Password technology for secure access and added protection against password tracing. Its Smart Voice function provides guided assistance for easy operation, while Smart Freeze temporarily disables access after multiple incorrect attempts, strengthening safety and control.The Zenith Digital Lock also offers mul..

KBL Revenue Rises 11 Per Cent in Q4 FY26

Kirloskar Brothers Limited reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 14.15 billion for Q4 FY26, compared to Rs 12.81 billion in Q4 FY25, registering around 11 per cent year-on-year growth. Consolidated Profit Before Tax stood at Rs 1.47 billion, against Rs 1.27 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. Profit After Tax stood at Rs 1.04 billion, compared to Rs 1.12 billion in Q4 FY25.For FY26, consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 45.38 billion, compared to Rs 44.92 billion in FY25. Consolidated Profit After Tax for the year was Rs 3.61 billion, against Rs 4.03 billio..