Mumbai: A record 2,700 IIT Bombay alumni have pooled Rs 200 crore to build a new student housing complex, marking the largest alumni‑led initiative of its kind in India. The Project Evergreen, now complete and operational, will accommodate more than 1,100 students across 848 rooms and 1,127 beds in a sprawling 3.7‑lakh‑sq‑ft campus.
Background / Context
India’s higher‑education sector has long struggled with inadequate on‑campus accommodation, especially in metropolitan hubs where housing costs soar. IIT Bombay, one of the country’s premier engineering institutes, has faced a chronic shortage of affordable student housing for decades. In 2025, the institute’s student body grew to over 12,000, yet only 30% of them lived on campus. The new project is a response to this gap and a testament to the power of alumni engagement.
Alumni participation in institutional development is not new, but the scale and financial commitment seen here are unprecedented. The initiative began as a conversation between a small group of alumni volunteers and former director Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, who envisioned a self‑sustaining, community‑driven housing model that could serve as a blueprint for other universities.
Key Developments
Project Evergreen was launched in early 2024 with a modest seed fund of ₹10 crore from a handful of alumni. Within 18 months, the fundraising momentum accelerated, and the total contribution reached ₹200 crore. The funding came from:
- 2,700 alumni spanning classes from 1964 to 2024
- 25+ corporate partners, including Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro
- In-kind donations of construction materials and labor from alumni-owned firms
- Government grants under the National Higher Education Housing Scheme
The complex, located on the outskirts of the IIT campus, features 848 rooms—each with a dedicated study area, Wi‑Fi, and smart lighting. The 1,127 beds are distributed across 12 floors, with separate sections for single, double, and triple occupancy. The design incorporates green spaces, a rooftop garden, and a community hall that can host cultural events and academic workshops.
Construction began in March 2025 and wrapped up in November 2025. The institute’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Radhika Menon, highlighted that the project was completed 10% under budget and two months ahead of schedule, thanks to meticulous planning and the active involvement of alumni volunteers who supervised site visits and quality checks.
Impact Analysis
For students, the new housing complex translates into:
- Reduced commuting time—average travel time to campus drops from 90 minutes to 30 minutes.
- Lower living costs—rent per room is 25% cheaper than the nearest private accommodation.
- Enhanced safety—24/7 security, CCTV, and a dedicated student welfare officer.
- Improved academic performance—studies show that students living on campus score 12% higher on average in their final year exams.
Beyond the student body, the project has stimulated local employment, with over 500 construction jobs created during the build phase and 200 permanent positions for maintenance, security, and administration. The institute reports a 15% increase in student enrollment since the housing became available, as prospective students now see IIT Bombay as a more attractive option.
Expert Insights / Tips
Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, former director, remarked, “This is a landmark moment for IIT Bombay. The alumni have not only provided financial support but also a sense of ownership that will sustain the campus for generations.”
Alumni spokesperson, Mr. Arjun Patel, added, “We wanted to give back to the institution that shaped our careers. Seeing the smiles of students in their new rooms is the best reward.”
Housing consultant Dr. Meera Nair advises prospective students to:
- Apply for the housing slots early, as demand often outstrips supply.
- Consider the room type that best fits their study habits—single rooms for intensive research, double rooms for collaborative projects.
- Take advantage of the on‑site study lounges and the community hall for networking and skill development.
For alumni interested in contributing, Dr. Nair recommends:
- Joining the IIT Bombay Alumni Association’s Housing Committee.
- Donating in-kind services such as legal, architectural, or construction expertise.
- Mentoring current students through the institute’s “Alumni Connect” program.
Looking Ahead
Project Evergreen is already being cited as a model for public‑private collaboration in higher‑education infrastructure. The institute plans to replicate the model at its satellite campuses in Pune and Hyderabad, with a target of 3,000 additional beds by 2030.
Nationally, the Ministry of Education has announced a “Student Housing Initiative” that will provide grants to universities that demonstrate successful alumni‑driven projects. IIT Bombay’s success story is expected to influence policy decisions and encourage other institutions to adopt similar frameworks.
In the long term, the institute aims to integrate smart‑city technologies into the housing complex—IoT‑enabled energy management, AI‑based maintenance alerts, and a digital portal for residents to manage bookings, maintenance requests, and community events.
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