**Executive Summary**
This document outlines the plan to replace the existing Maitri Research Station in Antarctica with a newly designed Maitri-II Station. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities. The new station is projected to be operational by 2032, and will significantly enhance India's scientific research capabilities.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Overview:**
* India plans to replace the existing Maitri Research Station with a new Maitri-II Station in Antarctica.
* The new station is designed as a state-of-the-art, year-round research hub.
* **Funding and Approvals:**
* The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities. These activities include architectural design and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
* **Research Capabilities:**
* Maitri-II will significantly enhance India's ability to conduct multidisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica, particularly 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.
* **Timeline:**
* The projected timeline for Maitri-II to become operational is estimated as seven years.
* Expected completion is by 2032.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Earth Sciences:**
* **Impact:** Oversight and funding of the Maitri-II project. Increased scientific output and prestige for India in Antarctic research.
* **Action Required:** Monitor project progress and ensure timely allocation of resources.
**Indian Scientific Community:**
* **Impact:** Enhanced capabilities for conducting cutting-edge research in Antarctica. Access to modern laboratories and expanded research facilities.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the new station to conduct multidisciplinary scientific research and contribute to global polar science.
**Global Polar Science Community:**
* **Impact:** Benefits from India's enhanced research capabilities and contributions to global polar science. Access to high-quality data and cutting-edge findings.
* **Action Required:** Collaborate with Indian researchers and utilize the data generated by Maitri-II to advance polar science.
Key Entities Referenced
Maitri-II Station: Proposed new Indian research station in Antarctica to replace the existing Maitri station.
Maitri Research Station: The existing Indian research station in Antarctica that is to be replaced.
Ministry of Earth Sciences: The Indian ministry responsible for the Maitri station and the proposed Maitri-II station.
Antarctica: Location of the Maitri and Maitri-II research stations.
Detailed Project Report (DPR): A report prepared for pre-investment activities.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1697
TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 10th DECEMBER, 2025
MAITRI-2 STATION
1697. SHRI RAJA A:
Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:
(a) whether India is planning to replace Maitri research station by a new Maitri-2 station;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the funds sanctioned for preparing design and Detailed
Project Report;
(c) whether it would facilitate research in various fields like biology, earth science,
glaciology etc.,
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time, by which it is proposed to be operational?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
AND EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) Yes Sir. India is planning to replace the existing Maitri Research Station with a newly
designed Maitri-II Station in Antarctica.
(b) 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).
(c) Yes Sir. The new station will significantly enhance India’s ability to conduct
multidisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica.
(d) 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. A stronger and more dependable logistic backbone
will ensure uninterrupted scientific operations throughout the year. These enhancements
will greatly expand the scope, precision, continuity and international relevance of India’s
Antarctic research, enabling the country to contribute high-quality data and cutting-edge
findings to global polar science for decades to come.
(e) The projected timeline for Maitri-II to become operational is estimated as seven years
with expected completion by 2032.
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