As fitness infrastructure expands on campus at Hansraj College, questions emerge around what is gained, and what is displaced.
The installation of open-air gym equipment at Hansraj College has reportedly altered the spatial dynamics of key student areas, including the LP (Lovers or Learners Point) and the space in front of Mitti Cafe. The installation process began early last week and was reported to have been completed on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
The setup includes equipment such as seated and standing twisters, sit-and-pull machines, a tai chi spinner, a smith machine, among others. The initiative appears to align with a broader institutional emphasis on student wellness. This follows the recent introduction of a “calorie menu” in the college canteen, suggesting a shift towards structured health-oriented interventions within campus spaces.
However, the installation has reportedly led to increased congestion in both locations. The LP, previously described by students as an open and relatively quiet space, has seen a visible reduction in free area due to the placement of large equipment. The space was reported to be significantly more crowded, with limited room for informal gatherings or movement.
Similarly, the area in front of Mitti Cafe has experienced increased footfall and reduced spatial comfort. Students suggested that the space now feels “suffocating”, indicating a shift from its earlier function as a relatively breathable and multipurpose area.
At the same time, the development has prompted responses on social media, where students have circulated memes reflecting their reactions. One such meme described the college as ‘Hansraj College now accepting admission applications from preschool to grade 6’. When asked about the new infrastructure, a student responded pointing to the apparent redundancy of the decision,
“We already had an open gym, if the objective was student welfare, this money could have been used to make our washrooms more accessible or actually provide resources to the 60+ societies they boast about”
While the initiative is positioned as promoting accessibility to fitness infrastructure, its placement in high-use social spaces has raised concerns.
Image Credits: Aaj Tak Campus
Read More: Unclean Spaces and Neoliberal Urbanism: Graffiti as “Counterliteracy”
Suansh Dembla
Trending
