Kamarajar Grand Library likely to be ready by March 2027

The Kamarajar Grand Library and Intellectual Centre under construction at Mannarpuram in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY After a delay of several months, civil work on the Kamarajar Grand Library and Intellectual Centre at Mannarpuram in Tiruchi has resumed. The library is expected to be ready for launch by March 2027.The ₹290-crore project, being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), commenced in April 2025 and was officially scheduled for completion by September 2026.The deadline has since been tentatively extended to March 2027.“Most of the building work has been completed; we are now in the process of installing false ceiling in the interiors, and the external development is in progress. We plan to complete the work by March 2027,” a senior Public Works Department official told The Hindu on Tuesday.The official added that roofing had been completed on the seven-storey structure. Plastering, tile laying, and wall panelling is being attended to at present.Built at a cost of ₹290 crore, including ₹50 crore allocated for e-books and ₹5 crore for equipment, the facility is planned as an integrated library, knowledge hub, and intellectual resource centre catering to students, researchers, and the general public.Approximately 250 workers are engaged in the construction activity every day.“The delay was caused mainly because of elections earlier this year. At least four working months were lost because construction workers from other States had to travel back home to cast their vote. The building works have resumed now,” the PWD official said.The complex, spread across 1.97 lakh sq. ft, will include a 1,000-seat auditorium, science centre, children’s theatre, children’s library, and research centre, among other facilities.Dedicated facilities for persons with disabilities, a vast parking lot, and escalators will be available.Tender cancelledHowever, in October, the PWD’s Building (C&M) Division in Tiruchi cancelled a tender for providing play equipment in the children’s play area at the library as only one tender was received.The bidding process was called off to maintain transparency, technical compliance, and a fair competitive environment for all participants, sources said. Published - November 10, 2026 05:57 pm IST