Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for a ₹75 crore new building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced astronomy research and space science instrumentation.
The proposed facility, to be developed as a key scientific hub, will support growing requirements of research, education and national missions, while enhancing the institute’s position in cutting-edge observational science.
Facility details and project scope
The upcoming building, spread over one lakh square feet, will cater to students, researchers and scientific programmes, and is expected to significantly expand infrastructure at the institute.
To be named “M.K.V. Bappu Bhavana” in honour of Prof. Manali Kallat Vainu Bappu, the founding Director of IIA, the facility will house modern laboratories, classrooms, office spaces and a conference facility. The project is being executed by CPWD with an estimated completion timeline of two years.
Role in national and global missions
The institute’s indigenously developed technologies are being deployed in ISRO and other national and international space missions, reflecting its growing global relevance.
“IIA is a unique institution with a rich legacy and global standing in astronomy research,” he said.
Legacy and research network
Tracing its origins to the historic Madras Observatory, the institute today operates a network of facilities across Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur and the high-altitude observatory at Hanle, enabling advanced research in solar and night-time astronomy.
The institute has also contributed to key national missions, including the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope onboard AstroSat and the Aditya-L1 mission.
Future projects and expansion
The Minister referred to the announcement of four major telescope projects in the Union Budget 2026, National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, Himalayan Chandra Telescope upgrade and COSMOS-2 Planetarium, which will be implemented by IIA to further expand India’s astronomical capabilities.
The foundation stone ceremony was held at the institute’s campus in Koramangala in the presence of S. Somanath and Annapurni Subramanian, among others.