Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone of a ₹75 crore state-of-the-art additional building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. The upcoming seven-storey structure will span nearly one lakh square feet and is aimed at significantly enhancing India’s capabilities in advanced astronomy and space science research.
The ceremony was held at the IIA campus in Koramangala in the presence of Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Governing Council, IIA Director Dr. Annapurni Subramanian, senior scientists, faculty members, and officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and CPWD. The event also included the inauguration of a medium-sized aspheric grinder and polisher in the optics laboratory and presentations on the institute’s ongoing work.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described IIA as a globally recognised institution with a rich scientific legacy dating back to the historic Madras Observatory. He said the new infrastructure will support growing research demands and strengthen India’s position in cutting-edge observational astronomy and space instrumentation.
Highlighting IIA’s contributions through its facilities at Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, and Hanle, the Minister noted their role in both solar and night-sky astronomy. He also pointed to the institute’s involvement in key national missions, including the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope onboard AstroSat and contributions to the Aditya-L1 mission.
Referring to the Union Budget 2026, Dr. Singh mentioned four major upcoming projects to be implemented by IIA: the National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and the COSMOS-2 Planetarium. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost India’s astronomical research capacity.
The new building, proposed to be named “M.K.V. Bappu Bhavana” in honour of Prof. Manali Kallat Vainu Bappu, founding Director of IIA, will house modern laboratories, classrooms, office spaces, and conference facilities. The project is being executed by CPWD and is expected to be completed within two years.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need to connect scientific institutions with young students and researchers through outreach and digital platforms. He also highlighted recent government initiatives such as enhanced research funding, public-private partnerships, and the establishment of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and the National Research Foundation.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
