India to Build New Maitri-II Research Station in Antarctica

India is set to replace its existing Maitri Research Station in Antarctica with a newly designed Maitri-II Station.

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities.
• These activities include:
  • Architectural design
  • Preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
  • Technical planning and site assessment

A State-of-the-Art Scientific Facility

• Maitri-II is envisioned as a modern, year-round research hub, significantly enhancing India’s polar research capability.
• The station will support advanced work in:
  • Biology
  • Earth sciences
  • Glaciology
  • Atmospheric sciences
  • Climate research
  • Long-term environmental and ecosystem monitoring

Strengthening India’s Antarctic Presence

• The new station will improve India’s capacity to undertake:
  • Multidisciplinary scientific research
  • Long-duration missions
  • High-precision climate and cryosphere studies
• It also strengthens India’s commitment under the Antarctic Treaty System.

Timeline and Completion

• Maitri-II is projected to become fully operational in approximately seven years.
• The expected completion year is 2032.
• Once operational, it will replace the current Maitri Station, which has been active since 1989.

Source: PIB