KOLLAM: Bridging the gap between academic theory and practical implementation, the Civista Club of Bishop Jerome Institute (BJI), Kollam, organized a comprehensive industrial visit for its final-year Civil Engineering students. The experiential learning program took place on 26 May 2026 at the prestigious Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK) Production Unit located in Kalluvathukkal, Kollam.

The industrial visit was meticulously coordinated under the banner of the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) Cell BJI as part of its Level 3 Activity for Quarter 3. Supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), this initiative underscores the institute's commitment to delivering skill-based technical education aligned with modern industrial frameworks.

Hands-On Exposure to Cost-Effective & Eco-Friendly Construction

During the visit, the eighth-semester (S8) Civil Engineering students observed the wide-scale manufacturing of Cost-Effective and Environment-Friendly (CEEF) building materials.

The Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra’s Kalluvathukkal facility is widely recognized for its eco-conscious production practices. The site engineers and technical specialists at the plant guided the students through various manufacturing stages, demonstrating the production of:

• High-durability solid and hollow concrete blocks

• Pre-cast door and window frames

• Interlocking mud blocks and stabilized soil-cement blocks

• Ferrocement-based utilities and cost-effective roofing solutions

The expert-led tour provided students with an in-depth understanding of material mix designs, sustainable alternative components, quality control measures, and automated production workflows that minimize the carbon footprint of structural elements.

Leadership and Coordination

The successful execution of the industrial excursion was driven by dedicated faculty guidance and student leadership:

• Staff Coordinator: Ms. Thushara Raju, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, BJI.

• Student Coordinator: Anandhu A. Nair, S8, Department of Civil Engineering, BJI.

Through the Civista Club, Bishop Jerome Institute continues to encourage young engineers to step outside textbooks and witness real-world infrastructure development, directly sharpening their industry-readiness before they graduate.