The International Hostel Complex at Mangalore University’s Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje remains unfinished nearly a decade after construction began. Intended to provide accommodation for international students, the project has been hindered by a severe lack of funds, leaving it incomplete. University officials indicate that the project may not be completed anytime soon due to an acute cash crunch.
The hostel, aimed at attracting foreign students, has left many currently housed in private rental properties. Construction started in the 2015-16 academic year under then-vice-chancellor K Byrappa and has continued under former VC PS Yadapadithaya and current VC PL Dharma. Initially quoted at Rs 53.8 crore, the project cost has escalated to Rs 63 crore due to plan modifications and cost increases. The contractor has billed Rs 51.2 crore, of which Rs 39 crore has been paid by the university, leaving Rs 12 crore in pending bills. An additional Rs 13 crore is required to complete the hostel.
Raju Mogaveera, the registrar of Mangalore University, stated that MU currently lacks the necessary funds. Sources added that former VC Yadapadithaya had allocated significant funds to the project despite the university’s low funds. A total of Rs 24 crore is needed to complete the complex, but the state government is unlikely to allocate such a large amount. Some suggest that a phased approach would have been more feasible.
A senior professor noted that MU does not require such large hostels, as the campus already has sufficient facilities, including two girls’ hostels and one men’s hostel, with another girls’ hostel ready for inauguration.
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