Date: 2026-04-29Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from 14 operational units to 50, marking over 250% rise: Dr Jitendra Singh
**Executive Summary**
On April 29, 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the expansion of India’s Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network from 14 to 50 units, now covering 87% of the country. The initiative aims to provide micro-precision weather forecasting to enhance disaster preparedness and public safety. Future plans include the deployment of 50 additional radars under "Mission Mausam" to further strengthen climate services and infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Network Expansion and Infrastructure**
* Operational DWR units increased by over 250%, rising from 14 in 2014 to 50 in 2026.
* Current coverage extends to over 87% of the country's landmass.
* An additional 50 DWRs are planned for installation under the "Mission Mausam" initiative.
* Expansion specifically targets vulnerable regions, including recent installations in Jammu & Kashmir.
* **Technological Advancements**
* Transition to "micro-precision" forecasting, capable of providing data down to the level of raindrop size and precipitation type.
* Introduction of 'Nowcast' services, providing highly localized and accurate forecasts for the next three hours.
* Deployment of dual-polarization technology to improve rainfall estimation and better detect severe weather while minimizing false signals.
* Utilization of the Doppler effect to track the movement and velocity of weather systems in real-time.
* **Forecast Utility and Reach**
* Improved early warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hailstorms.
* Enhanced support for aviation safety, agricultural planning, and urban disaster risk reduction.
* Broadened impact through global cooperation, providing forecasting benefits to neighboring countries.
* **Public Awareness and Engagement**
* Inauguration of a "Selfie Point" at the IMD headquarters in New Delhi to showcase legacy radar technology.
* Emphasis on bridging the gap between scientific advancements and citizen understanding via mobile apps, SMS alerts, and social media.
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public**
**Impact**
Citizens benefit from increased accuracy and accessibility of weather updates, allowing for better daily decision-making and disaster preparedness.
**Action Required**
Engage with IMD services through digital platforms such as mobile applications, SMS alerts, and social media to stay informed.
**Farmers**
**Impact**
Precise weather data regarding rainfall intensity and storm possibilities allows for more effective agricultural planning.
**Action Required**
Utilize micro-precision forecasts to schedule farming activities and mitigate risks from extreme weather events.
**Aviation Industry**
**Impact**
Enhanced monitoring of weather system velocity and movement significantly improves flight safety and operational planning.
**Action Required**
Integrate real-time DWR data and 'Nowcast' services into standard safety and navigation protocols.
**Disaster Management Authorities**
**Impact**
Authorities receive better lead times and more accurate localized data for cyclones, floods, and other extreme events.
**Action Required**
Use enhanced radar data to refine urban planning, disaster response strategies, and early warning dissemination.
**Neighboring Countries**
**Impact**
Regional partners benefit from shared meteorological data and India's commitment to global cooperation and resilience.
**Action Required**
Collaborate with the IMD on shared weather monitoring initiatives to improve regional safety.
Key Entities Referenced
India Meteorological Department (IMD): The nodal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and managing the national Doppler Weather Radar network.
Mission Mausam: A government initiative focused on strengthening weather and climate services through the expansion of radar infrastructure and forecasting capabilities.
Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network: The core technical infrastructure being expanded to achieve micro-precision forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and other extreme weather events.
Ministry of Earth Sciences: The primary central ministry overseeing the country's meteorological services and the implementation of modern weather monitoring systems.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
India has significantly expanded its Doppler
Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014,
increasing from 14 operational units to 50,
marking over 250% rise: Dr Jitendra Singh
These additions, covering over 87% of the country, improve
forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms
under the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with 50
more DWRs planned under Mission Mausam
India’s Weather Forecasting Becomes a Way of Life with
Expansion of Doppler Radar Network: Union Minister Dr.
Jitendra Singh
Minister inaugurates a Selfie Point, depicting Weather Radar,
at the entrance gate of India Meteorological Department
(IMD) headquarters, at Lodhi Road, New Delhi:
Dr. Jitendra Singh Says IMD Forecasts Now Achieve
Raindrop-Level Precision as India Enters Era of Micro-
Precision Weather Forecasting
Posted On: 29 APR 2026 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from
14 operational units to 50, marking over 250% rise. These additions, covering over 87% of the country,
improve forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms under the India Meteorological
Department (IMD), with 50 more planned under Mission Mausam.This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology
and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking to the media after inaugurating a Selfie Point, depicting
Weather Radar, at the entrance gate of India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters, at Lodhi
Road, here. The event was held in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M.
Ravichandran, and Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, along with senior
officials and scientists.
The Minister said, this transformation has been made possible due to the high priority accorded to the
sector by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to greater
accuracy, accessibility and public trust in forecasts.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s meteorological services have undergone a remarkable transformation
over the last decade. From a time when weather forecasts were often met with scepticism, the system
today provides highly reliable and precise predictions used by a wide spectrum of users, from farmers andhomemakers to pilots and event planners. He said that people now routinely check weather updates on
their mobile phones before stepping out, reflecting the growing trust and reach of IMD services.
Referring to advancements in forecasting, he highlighted the introduction of 'Nowcast' services, which
provide highly localised and accurate forecasts for the next three hours. He said that such real-time
information is crucial for disaster preparedness, urban planning and day-to-day decision-making. He
added that India’s forecasting capability has reached a stage where it can provide detailed inputs on
rainfall intensity, type of precipitation, possibility of hailstorms, and even the size of raindrops.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the role of Doppler Weather Radar technology in strengthening India’s
weather monitoring system. These radars use the Doppler effect to track the movement and velocity of
weather systems, enabling accurate and timely forecasts. The modern radars deployed by IMD are
equipped with dual-polarization technology, allowing precise identification of precipitation types such as
rain, hail and drizzle, improved rainfall estimation, and better detection of severe weather events while
minimizing false signals.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the expanding radar network enables continuous monitoring of the atmosphere
over large distances and supports early warnings for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and other
extreme weather events. It also plays a critical role in aviation safety, agricultural planning and disaster
risk reduction.
Highlighting the broader impact, the Minister said that India’s forecasting capabilities are also benefiting
neighbouring countries, reflecting the country’s commitment to global cooperation and shared resilience.
The Minister also referred to the government’s focused initiatives such as Mission Mausam, aimed at
strengthening weather and climate services, and the ongoing expansion of radar infrastructure, including
installations in vulnerable regions like Jammu & Kashmir following recent extreme weather events.The Selfie Point inaugurated today showcases a legacy weather radar system, providing visitors with a
tangible connection to the evolution of meteorological technology in India. It has been set up to create
greater public awareness about weather science and to encourage citizens to engage with IMD’s services
through platforms such as mobile applications, SMS alerts and social media.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that such initiatives will help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and
public awareness, enabling citizens to better understand and utilise weather information in their daily
lives.
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NKR/AK/SG
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