India Plans New Antarctic Station Maitri II

India’s Expanding Polar Vision

India Plans New Antarctic Station Maitri II: India has announced plans to establish Maitri II, a next-generation Antarctic research station in East Antarctica. The project signals a renewed and long-term commitment to polar science and climate research. The revised completion target for the station is 2032, reflecting the scale and complexity of construction in extreme polar conditions.

Maitri II is expected to significantly enhance India’s scientific capabilities in Antarctica. It will also modernize India’s infrastructure to support year-round research operations.

What Is Maitri II

Maitri II is proposed as India’s fourth Antarctic research station. It will replace the existing Maitri I, which has been operational since 1989 at the Schirmacher Oasis. The new station is designed as a modern, all-weather facility.

The infrastructure will support continuous scientific activity during both the Antarctic summer and the harsh winter months. Advanced laboratories and improved logistics are central to the design.

Static GK fact: India’s first Antarctic station, Dakshin Gangotri, became non-operational in 1989 due to ice accumulation.

India’s Antarctic Research Legacy

India began its Antarctic scientific expeditions in 1981. Since then, the country has maintained a sustained research presence on the continent. At present, India operates Maitri in East Antarctica and Bharati near the Antarctic coast.

These stations have supported research in meteorology, geology, atmospheric sciences, glaciology, biology, zoology, and seismology. Maitri II will build on this foundation with enhanced technological capabilities.

Static GK Tip: India is a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty, allowing it to participate in decision-making on Antarctic governance.

Revised Timeline and Project Cost

The Maitri II project was originally expected to be completed by January 2029, following its announcement in December 2023. The timeline has now been revised, with completion targeted for 2032. Scientific operations are expected to commence after structural completion.

The total estimated cost of the project over seven years is ₹2,000 crore. The extended timeline reflects logistical challenges, environmental safeguards, and design upgrades.

Pre-Investment Clearance by MoES

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has approved ₹29.20 crore for pre-investment activities. These include architectural planning, site assessment, and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The approval marks a crucial preparatory milestone.

The information was shared in Parliament by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.

Scientific Objectives of Maitri II

Maitri II aims to strengthen multidisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica. The station will support advanced studies in climate science, glaciology, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, and biology. Long-term environmental monitoring is a key objective.

The facility will enable India to generate high-quality datasets relevant to global climate change research. This will improve India’s contribution to international scientific collaborations.

Strategic Importance of the Station

Antarctica plays a critical role in regulating global climate systems and influencing sea-level changes. Continuous data from the region is vital for understanding long-term environmental trends. Maitri II will reinforce India’s role in global polar science.

The project also strengthens India’s commitments under the Antarctic Treaty System, emphasizing peaceful scientific cooperation and environmental protection.

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India Plans New Antarctic Station Maitri II: