IIT Mandi Inaugurates ‘Panchvaktra Marg’ Connecting North and South Campuses of IIT Mandi

Marking a significant milestone in strengthening campus infrastructure and sustainability, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi today inaugurated its much-awaited Campus Unification Road, officially named Panchvaktra Marg, connecting the Institute’s North and South Campuses through a dedicated internal route. The inauguration was led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, in the presence of faculty, staff, students, engineers, and officials associated with the project.

The newly inaugurated Panchvaktra Marg is a major infrastructure development that enables seamless movement across the entire IIT Mandi campus, fostering greater academic, administrative, and community integration. The two-lane road, measuring approximately 3.5 kilometres in length and 9 metres in width, has been constructed at an approximate cost of ₹21 crore. In addition to facilitating vehicular movement, the road includes a dedicated paved pedestrian pathway, promoting safe and convenient walking within the campus.

A key engineering component of the project is the construction of a 50-metre-long, two-lane prestressed box girder bridge over the Kataula Khad, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity between the two campuses. Given the challenging Himalayan terrain, the project incorporates comprehensive drainage and disaster mitigation measures, including scientifically designed roadside drains, channelization structures, RCC slab culverts, protective works along the valley side, and proper street lighting for safe night-time travel. The road has also been designed with gentle gradients to ensure safe and comfortable movement while maintaining stability in the hilly landscape.

During construction, engineers encountered a nearly 150-metre-long rocky stretch, which required careful excavation using environmentally sustainable engineering techniques instead of extensive blasting. Although this extended the construction timeline, it ensured minimal ecological disturbance while maintaining the highest standards of safety and engineering excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said, “We have named this route – Panchvaktra Marg after the historic Panchvaktra Shiva Temple of Mandi, symbolizing our deep respect for the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This road will not only enhance connectivity between the campuses but also strengthen the sense of unity within the IIT Mandi community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the faculty, staff, students, engineers, and workers whose dedication and collective efforts made this important milestone possible.”

On the occasion, IIT Mandi also launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive, under which nearly 2,000 saplings will be planted along and around Panchvaktra Marg. The initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability while encouraging every member of the community to contribute towards building a greener and healthier campus.