India has two active
research stations in Antarctica: Maitri and Bharati. India is also planning to
build a new station called Maitri-2.
1. Maitri Station (Established in 1989)
Located in the Schirmacher Oasis of Queen Maud Land,
Maitri is India's second permanent research station in Antarctica. It focuses
on research in geology, geography, and atmospheric sciences. The station can
accommodate 25 people during winter and is equipped with modern facilities,
including access to freshwater from Lake Priyadarshini.
2. Bharati Station (Operational since 2012)
Situated in the Larsemann Hills by Prydz Bay, Bharati
is India’s third Antarctic research facility. The station supports research
in oceanography, continental breakup studies, and atmospheric sciences. It can
host up to 47 personnel year-round, with additional capacity during the summer
months. Notably, Bharati was constructed using shipping containers, allowing
for rapid and cost-effective assembly.
India's first research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983. Over time, it became buried under snow and ice and was subsequently decommissioned in 1990–91. It now serves as a supply base and is recognized as a historic site.