Bengaluru, the IT hub of India, may soon add another feather to its cap as the Science City of India. The Department of Science & Technology has proposed to set up a Science City near the Kempegowda International Airport, with an aim to promote science education and awareness among the public.
The project, which is estimated to cost Rs 232 crore and require 25 acres of land, has been submitted to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for inclusion in the 2024-25 Budget. The Science City will be jointly funded by the Union and state governments, with a contribution of Rs 118.14 crore and Rs 114.56 crore respectively.
The Science City will be a major attraction for students, teachers, and the general public, as it will offer an educational and entertaining environment that presents science and technology in a stimulating and engaging manner. The facility will have both indoor and outdoor exhibits, covering various domains of science and technology, such as biotechnology, space, robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and more.
The Science City will also have a year-long calendar of regular activities, such as science shows, demonstrations, lectures, workshops, competitions, and festivals, to nurture a spirit of inquiry, foster creativity, and encourage scientific curiosity among the visitors. The Science City will also collaborate with other institutions, such as Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, to organise outreach programmes and mobile exhibitions.
The Minister for Science & Technology, NS Boseraju, said, “The Science City will be a landmark project for Bengaluru, as it will showcase the scientific achievements and innovations of our country, as well as inspire the young minds to pursue careers in science and technology. The Science City will also contribute to the social and economic development of the region, by creating employment opportunities and attracting tourism.”
The Science City is expected to be completed by 2027, and will have a capacity to accommodate 10,000 visitors per day. The project is part of the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) of the National Council of Science Museums, which aims to establish Science Cities in various parts of the country.
The Science City in Bengaluru will be the fifth such facility in India, after Kolkata, Lucknow, Guwahati, and Kapurthala. The project is also in line with the government’s vision to make India a global leader in science and technology, and to foster a culture of scientific temper among the citizens.
