Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 February, 2024 virtually laid the foundation stones of various infrastructure projects in Koraput in Odisha. He inaugurated the newly constructed permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur at Laoudigaon in Ganjam district.

The new campus of IISER has been set up over 200 acres of land. The Central government has sanctioned Rs 1,582.78 crore for the construction of the new campus. Among the foundation stones of projects laid include the administrative building at Central University of Odisha (CUO) in Sunabeda. The project is estimated to cost Rs 129 crore.

The project envisages a range of facilities for academic and administrative functions. These include two academic blocks, an administrative building, library and separate hostels for boys and girls. Funding for these initiatives is being provided by the Centre under the department of higher education. 

Union Minister of state for tribal affairs and Jal Shakti, Bishweswar Tudu attended the inauguration.