Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, has announced the government’s intent to establish a new research station in East Antarctica, located in close proximity to the existing Indian research base, Maitri.

The government intends to operationalize a new research station in East Antarctica, near existing Indian research base Maitri.

Site for new station has been identified. Preliminary topographical survey for approach road is underway.

The details of the scheduled timelines for its completion are as follows:

1. Development of Master plan, hiring of consultant & designing: 18 months.
2. Drafting of tender and tendering, award and signing of contract, site survey by consultants, road cutting and formations at site: 18 months.
3. Prefabrication/procurement’s at mainland, transportation to Cape Town/ Antarctica/ Indian Barrier to site and preparation for construction in Antarctica by the construction company: 18 months.
4. Transportation of final components from Indian Barrier to site and construction in Antarctica by the construction company: 12 months.
5. Completion of construction: January 2029.

The existing Indian research station ‘Maitri’ is very old. It is imperative to build a new research station. The proposed project envisages adherence to environmental protocol for Antarctica and improving the quality of Indian scientific research in Antarctica.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Shri Kiren Rijiju