U R Rao Bhavana: A new milestone for the city’s scientific community

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru witnessed the grand inauguration of U R Rao Bhavana, a state-of-the-art facility built under the Smart City Mission at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. The project, funded by the Central and State Governments, was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Urban Development Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar on the occasion of National Science Day.

Constructed for Rs 42 crore, U R Rao Bhavana features a 600-seater auditorium, multiple lecture halls, an observatory telescope, and a dedicated parking facility. Spread across 9949 sq. m, the building is designed following IGBC Green Building norms, incorporating eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation through an STP plant, and improved indoor air quality with low VOC materials.

A key highlight of the inauguration was the oath-taking ceremony led by BASE President A.S. Kiran Kumar, marking National Science Day. Several dignitaries, including Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Ministers Boseraju, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, and Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, along with BBMP officials, graced the event. With its modern infrastructure and sustainable design, U R Rao Bhavana is set to enhance scientific research, education, and public engagement in Bengaluru, strengthening the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and knowledge.