Kozhikode: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut plans to construct a new ladies' hostel to accommodate the women candidates joining undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes.

The number of female candidates joining NITC has increased considerably in recent years, official figures show.

A 10-storey hostel building complex with three blocks would be constructed near the existing ladies' hostel. The Ministry of Education has approved a project, NITC officials said.

NITC director Prof Prasad Krishna said the new hostel will have 380 double rooms.

The hostel work will be carried out with the support of HEFA (Higher Education Financing Agency). The estimated cost for the project is Rs 71.85 crore, said Prof Priya Chandran, Dean (Planning and Development).

The Central Public Works Department is the implementing agency, said Dr Sajith A S, Professor of Civil Engineering and superintending engineer (in charge) of Engineering Unit. The project would be completed in 24 months, he added.

The institute currently has 12 hostels, including two mega men’s hostels and an international hostel.