In a significant development for Panjab University (PU), a major infrastructure project that has been in limbo for nearly 17 years is finally seeing the light of day. The university's largest auditorium, located at the South Campus in Sector 25, is being readied for its grand opening, marking a rare forward movement in a landscape cluttered with delayed hostels, parking, and other regulatory projects.
A Journey Plagued by Delays and Hurdles
The foundation stone for this ambitious 2,400-seat facility was laid on November 3, 2009, by the then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Conceived as a premier multipurpose venue for large convocations, academic conferences, and cultural performances, the project soon fell into a cycle of perpetual delays. A combination of administrative changes, contractor-related issues, significant cost escalations, and the disruptive force of the Covid-19 pandemic caused repeated deadline slips over the years.
Senior university officials have now confirmed that the prolonged wait is nearing its end. After a revised expenditure was approved in February 2024, the project gained fresh momentum. The major interior work, including the structure and seating, is substantially complete. Currently, only finishing touches and pending compliance clearances remain before the auditorium can become fully operational.
Aiming for a Fully Functional Launch
Unlike many projects that see token inaugurations, the university administration is keen on ensuring the auditorium is completely ready for use from day one. Internal instructions have been issued to target an opening in the early part of 2026. "Inside work is substantially done. The structure, seating and core facilities are ready. The push now is to make it operational in the next few months," a senior official stated.
The official emphasized a conscious shift in strategy, saying, "There is a conscious effort to avoid another token inauguration. The idea is to open it when it is fully functional." This indicates that the earlier plans for a partial opening have been shelved in favor of launching the complete facility.
A Lone Bright Spot in PU's Infrastructure Story
While the impending opening of the South Campus auditorium offers a positive note, it remains a solitary achievement against a backdrop of stalled development. As 2025 ends, much of Panjab University's broader infrastructure narrative remains unchanged, with critical projects like new hostels and comprehensive parking reforms still awaiting resolution. The completion of this long-awaited auditorium, therefore, stands as a testament to what can be achieved with sustained focus, even as it highlights the broader challenges facing the university's physical expansion and modernization.
