India approves ₹29.2 crore for Maitri-II Station to replace Maitri in Antarctica

Key facts

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities, including architectural design and preparation of the Detailed Project Report DPR.
• The new Maitri-II Station is conceived as a state-of-the-art, year-round research hub that will significantly elevate India’s scientific capability in biology, earth sciences, glaciology, atmospheric sciences, climate studies and long-term environmental monitoring.
• The upgraded station will feature modern laboratories, advanced ice-core storage and processing systems, a dedicated biological and microbial research suite and expanded atmospheric observation facilities.
• The projected timeline for Maitri-II to become operational is estimated as seven years with expected completion by 2032.