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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh at the moment laid the foundation stone of a Rs 75 crore state-of-the-art new additional building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
The upcoming building will be seven-storied with over practically one lakh sq. feet built-up area. To be developed as one of the nation’s key scientific hubs, the building will considerably strengthen India’s capabilities in superior astronomy analysis and house science instrumentation. The indigenously developed applied sciences at IIA are being utilized in ISRO and different nationwide and worldwide house missions, reflecting the institute’s international relevance.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was held at the IIA campus in Koramangala in the presence of Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. S. Somanath; Director, IIA, Dr. Annapurni Subramanian; senior school members, scientists, researchers, and officers from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The programme included unveiling of the plaque, inauguration of a medium-size Aspheric Grinder & Polisher in the Optics Laboratory, garlanding of the founder’s bust, and displays on the institute’s work and the new laboratory venture.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described the Indian Institute of Astrophysics as a singular establishment with a wealthy legacy and international standing in astronomy analysis, tracing its three centuries journey, starting from the historic Madras Observatory. He mentioned the new facility will help the rising necessities of college students, researchers and nationwide missions, and strengthen India’s place in cutting-edge observational science.
Referring to IIA’s community of services throughout Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur and the high-altitude observatory at Hanle, the Minister mentioned these centres allow superior analysis in each photo voltaic and night-time astronomy. He additionally spoke about the institute’s function in nationwide house missions, together with the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope onboard AstroSat and contributions to the Aditya-L1 mission.
The Minister referred to the announcement of 4 main telescope initiatives in Union Budget 2026, National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, Himalayan Chandra Telescope improve, and COSMOS-2 Planetarium, which will be applied by IIA and are anticipated to considerably develop India’s astronomical capabilities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned the new infrastructure brings with it each a chance and a duty to ship outcomes that match the scale of funding being made. He emphasised the want to attach scientific establishments with younger individuals by way of outreach and digital platforms, given the rising curiosity in science and house actions.
He additionally spoke about current initiatives to strengthen the analysis ecosystem, together with enhanced budgetary help, promotion of public-private partnerships, and mechanisms similar to the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and the National Research Foundation.
The new building, proposed to be named “M.K.V. BappuBhavana” in honour of Prof. Manali Kallat Vainu Bappu, founding Director of IIA, will home trendy laboratories, lecture rooms, workplace areas and a convention facility. The venture is being executed by CPWD with an estimated completion interval of two years.
Dr. Jitendra Singh prolonged his greatest needs to the institute for its continued progress and expressed confidence that the facility will contribute to future scientific discoveries and innovation.
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