Dr. Jitendra Singh Lays Foundation for ₹75 Crore Astronomy Hub at IIA Bengaluru

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone of a ₹75 crore state‑of‑the‑art building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. The upcoming seven‑storey facility, spanning nearly one lakh square feet, is set to become one of India’s premier hubs for advanced astronomy research and space science instrumentation.

Ceremony Highlights

• Event held at IIA’s Koramangala campus with dignitaries including Dr. S. Somanath, Dr. Annapurni Subramanian, senior faculty, scientists, DST and CPWD officials.
• Programme included plaque unveiling, inauguration of a medium‑size Aspheric Grinder & Polisher in the Optics Laboratory, garlanding of the founder’s bust, and presentations on IIA’s projects.
• New building to be named “M.K.V. Bappu Bhavana” in honour of Prof. Manali Kallat Vainu Bappu.

Strategic Importance

• IIA’s legacy dates back three centuries to the historic Madras Observatory.
• New facility will support students, researchers, and national missions.
• Strengthens India’s position in cutting‑edge observational science.
• Enhances IIA’s role in ISRO missions and international collaborations.

Contributions to Space Science

• Developed the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope onboard AstroSat.
• Contributed to the Aditya‑L1 solar mission.
• Operates observatories across Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, and Hanle for solar and night‑time astronomy.

Future Projects Announced in Union Budget 2026

• National Large Solar Telescope
• National Large Optical‑Infrared Telescope
• Himalayan Chandra Telescope upgrade
• COSMOS‑2 Planetarium

Government’s Vision

• Enhanced budgetary support for science and technology.
• Promotion of public‑private partnerships.
• Establishment of the National Research Foundation and RDI Fund.
• Outreach programmes to connect institutions with youth via digital platforms.

Conclusion

The new IIA facility, executed by CPWD with a two‑year completion timeline, represents a critical investment in India’s scientific future. It will expand infrastructure and empower India’s ambitions in astronomy, astrophysics, and space instrumentation, reinforcing the nation’s global standing in space science.