Lokesh reviews plans for BITS Pilani ‘AI Plus’

The proposed ‘AI Plus Campus’ of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani in Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravati is moving closer to reality, with state IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh reviewing the campus development plans on Friday.

Representatives of Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani met the minister at his residence in Undavalli and presented detailed plans and architectural designs for the upcoming campus. The delegation included Siddharth Banerjee, N. Chennaveer and B.S. Sahani, who briefed the minister about the proposed infrastructure, academic programmes and long-term vision for the institution in Amaravati.

During the meeting, the BITS representatives said the campus would be developed in two phases and would have the capacity to accommodate around 7,000 students once fully operational. They also revealed that the institution plans to invest approximately Rs. 1,000 crore over the next five years to build the state-of-the-art campus.

According to the representatives, the Amaravati campus is being designed as India’s first dedicated “AI Plus” campus, integrating advanced technologies and research infrastructure aligned with emerging global trends in education and innovation. They said the project reflects the broader vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to position Amaravati as a hub for cutting-edge technology, research and higher education.

The proposed campus will offer specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Robotics, along with interdisciplinary courses related to agriculture, climate science and healthcare technologies. Officials said the curriculum is being designed to address real-world challenges while preparing students for rapidly evolving technology-driven industries.

The BITS team also informed the minister that the campus is being planned with a strong emphasis on sustainability and green infrastructure. The buildings will follow environment-friendly green building standards and incorporate renewable energy systems to reduce environmental impact.

Construction work for the project has already begun, the representatives said that the institution aims to develop a modern academic ecosystem that integrates advanced research facilities, innovation labs and collaborative spaces for students and faculty.

After reviewing the plans and design proposals, Minister Lokesh expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project. He urged the BITS representatives to expedite construction and complete the campus at the earliest, emphasising that the institution would play a key role in strengthening Amaravati’s position as an emerging centre for technology and innovation in India.