Bhagalpur, Dec. 27: Vikramshila World University, a contemporary of Nalanda Mahavihara and Takshila University, has finally gained the attention of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The department, in collaboration with National Cultural Fund (NCF) and Kahalgaon plant of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), is working on a plan to renovate and develop the ancient seat of learning.

Top-ranking officials of the three organisations would discuss the site development plan on December 29 at the partly excavated ruins of Vikramshila World University, located at Antichak under Kahalgaon sub-division of Bhagalpur. The meeting would be presided over by Juthika Pathanker, additional director, ASI, New Delhi.

Teams of officials from the three organisations will reach Kahalgaon on December 28 from Calcutta, Patna and New Delhi.

NTPC, under its corporate social responsibility scheme, has decided to contribute to the development of the ancient world university.

“Senior officials of ASI, NCF and NTPC would certainly decide on a concrete plan for the world heritage site. We hope the meeting proves to be a turning point for the varsity,” Sanjay Manjul, superintendent archaeologist, ASI, Patna circle, said.

Besides Pathanker, Subhasis Ghosh, general manager, super thermal power project, Kahalgaon, Dinesh Agarwal, general manager, NTPC Foundation, New Delhi, Lakshmi Priya, consultant architect, NCF, New Delhi, Navratna Pathak, assistant superintendent archaeologist, ASI, Patna, and Sanjay Manjul would also participate in the meeting.

According to sources, the officials would visit the partly excavated site of the ancient world university and prepare the blueprints for conservation, renovation and beautification of the ancient world varsity premises.

Some important projects like construction of cafeteria near Vikramshila Mahavihara, parking space, high-mast light arrangements and rest houses would also be discussed. Other aspects like gardening inside the campus, renovation measures for Bateshwar Sthan, another site with historical significance, are expected to be discussed at the meeting.

The officials would also look into the plan to acquire land near the Mahavihara for further excavation, construction of museum, setting up a modern library and development of road to the site.