The Finance Ministry has approved the proposal for Maitri II, India’s upcoming Antarctic research station, to be established in eastern
Antarctica.
About Maitri II
Purpose: India’s newest Antarctic base, designed to enhance polar research and ensure sustainable scientific presence.
Design: A green, energy-efficient research facility, larger than Maitri I.
Renewable Energy:
- Solar power for summer missions.
- Wind energy to utilise strong Antarctic winds for round-the-year operations.
Automation: Equipped with automated scientific instruments to record and transmit data to India, even when unmanned.
Timeline: Construction expected to finish by January 2029.
Nodal Agency: National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), will oversee setup and operations.
About Maitri (Existing Station)
- Operational Since: 1989.
- Location: Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica — a 20 km long ice-free area.
- Infrastructure: Main building, fuel farm & station, summer camp, lake water pump house, and modular research units.
- Capacity: Accommodates 25–40 scientists, depending on season and mission.