India's first railway university to become a 'smart campus'

India's first Railway University and the third in the world after Russia and China will be a "smart campus" complementing the transport-related education, multidisciplinary research and training programs. Proposing a Net-Zero Campus, the entire project will foster the concept of energy efficiency for the University. There would also be a designated area to accommodate series of solar farms that would support in meeting the energy demands within the Campus.

Delhi-based renowned firm, CP Kukreja Architects has been assigned to design the entire plan, the site for which is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. Spread across 110 acres, the designing will flag off from January 1, 2019 and would be accomplished by January, 2020.

Designed as per the GRIHA 5-Star Ratings, the campus will be a Centre for research having facilities for labs like Mobility Labs, Intelligent Transport System Labs, and High-Speed Rail Labs with latest cut-edge technologies provided by the Indian Railways. The University will have the infrastructure to accommodate 3,000 full-time students.

Upon entering the Campus, one would be able to feel the transition between the spaces, welcomed by an extended row of sky-high columns, reminiscent of the arched forms of the railway bridges, spanning through the entire drive-way. The meandering pavements take inspiration from the railway-tracks and spread across the course of the Campus, providing a harmonious ensemble to the site.

Speaking on executing this first of its kind project in India, Dikshu C Kukreja, Principal Architect, CP Kukreja Architects said, "It's an honor to be a part of creating history for one of the world's largest rail networks. This is an exceptional move by the Modi government by coming up with such a concept which will undoubtedly bring in a thrust to the Indian Railways. Through the design, the Campus will be able to reflect the pride and legacy established by the Railways through the course of the years. The overall design is a contemporary take on the Classical Style of architecture, subdued in its look, but imposing in its character." The buildings will have a sense of connection and would reflect the demeanor of the Indian Railways' design ideologies. The Library is being designed as an iconic landmark in the University's Campus, which would serve as the nucleus for students across various backgrounds of research and academia to participate in interactions and discussions.

The University will follow an interdisciplinary approach for research of transport systems by bringing together academicians, scientists and engineers from different fields, and plans to leverage its academic and industry partnerships

and collaborations.