Delhi University Approves Rs 5,889 Crore Hostel Expansion Plan; 21,895 Students To Benefit | Education and Career News
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The expansion plan by DU includes both new construction and the renovation of existing hostels, with the university aiming to increase accommodation capacity across its campuses.
DU intends to develop facilities that can serve students over the long term, taking future requirements into account. (File Photo)
Delhi University (DU) has approved a Rs 5,889 crore plan to expand student accommodation and address the long-standing shortage of hostel rooms. The proposal includes the construction of new hostels and the renovation of two existing facilities, with the aim of accommodating a total of 21,895 students.
The plan also considers the possibility of constructing hostels of up to 32 floors at suitable locations, subject to land availability and regulatory approvals. However, the university has not yet announced a timeline for the start of construction or when students can expect to move into the new accommodation.
Delhi University has long faced a shortage of hostel accommodation, with students arriving from different parts of the country every year. Those unable to secure university hostel rooms often have to rely on private paying guest (PG) facilities, rented accommodation or other housing options.
To address the shortage, the university’s Executive Council (EC) approved the Rs 5,889 crore proposal at a meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting was also significant as it was the first EC meeting since Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh began his second term on October 8, 2026.
The expansion plan includes both new construction and the renovation of existing hostels, with the university aiming to increase accommodation capacity across its campuses.
According to details released by the university, Rs 4,027 crore has been earmarked for constructing new hostels, which are expected to accommodate 15,758 students.
Another Rs 1,862 crore has been allocated for renovating two existing hostels. Once the renovation work is completed, these facilities are expected to accommodate 6,137 students.
Together, the new hostels and renovated facilities are planned to provide accommodation for 21,895 students. The actual availability of rooms will depend on the construction and renovation schedules, as well as the necessary approvals.
The university has identified several locations for expanding hostel facilities, including the Dhaka Complex, Surajmal Vihar Campus and Najafgarh Campus.
Additional multi-storey hostel buildings are planned at the Dhaka Complex. Accommodation facilities will also be developed at Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, with separate facilities planned for boys and girls. The university is also planning boys’ and girls’ hostels at its West Campus in Dwarka and East Campus in Surajmal Vihar, Karkardooma.
The proposed expansion across different campuses is intended to increase access to university accommodation and make it easier for students to live closer to their place of study.
Limited land availability, particularly on older campuses, is one of the challenges facing Delhi University as it plans new construction. To make better use of available space, the possibility of building hostels up to 32 floors was discussed at the Executive Council meeting. However, the proposal does not mean that all new hostels will be 32 storeys high. Building height will depend on the location, land availability, applicable building regulations and the approvals required for each project.
The university plans to make efficient use of available land by considering the applicable Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for each campus. FAR determines the total permissible built-up area in relation to the size of a plot.
By designing hostel blocks to make effective use of the permitted FAR, the university hopes to accommodate more students on limited land. All construction will, however, need to comply with the relevant building and safety regulations.
The proposed hostels are expected to include facilities beyond student rooms. These may include dining halls, shops selling essential items, common rooms and dedicated reading rooms for students.
Accommodation for wardens is also planned to support hostel management and supervision. The aim is to provide students with essential services and study spaces within the hostel premises.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh has said the hostel designs are being planned with the needs of the 21st century in mind. According to him, student numbers and accommodation requirements have changed since many of the university’s older hostels were built.
The university intends to develop facilities that can serve students over the long term, taking future requirements into account. Singh has said the planning process considers the needs of the next 100 years.
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October 14, 2026, 15:36 IST
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