Ahmedabad: The department of higher education has approved a Rs 10.86 crore grant for Gujarat University (GU) to establish an Institute of Hospitality, Heritage Management, Archaeology and Lifelong Learning. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 36.21 crore and is expected to be completed over the next three to five years.The proposed institute will be developed on a vacant plot along the 132 feet Ring Road, near GMDC ground and adjacent to Andhjan Mandal. GU had earlier submitted a proposal to utilize this land for setting up a facility that would include a five-star hotel along with academic programmes in hotel management and heritage studies. The initiative also aims to promote preservation and management of cultural heritage.The project is considered a “dream project” of the current vice-chancellor, who announced plans to integrate academic learning with practical exposure in the hospitality sector. With the first phase of funding now approved, the university is expected to begin initial work soon, officials said.The department of higher education has set conditions. The university must prepare construction plans and cost estimates as per the prevailing Schedule of Rates (SOR) and obtain necessary approvals from competent authorities. All construction work must follow public works department (PWD) norms. Additionally, the sanctioned funds must be used strictly for the intended purpose and cannot be diverted.The department also directed that the allocated funds be utilized within two years, failing which the administrative approval will be automatically cancelled. Notably, the vice-chancellor’s term is set to end in June, raising speculation about a possible extension to ensure continuity of the project.