Maitri Research Station

Maitri Research Station is India’s second permanent research base in Antarctica, established to support scientific studies in diverse fields such as geology, glaciology, atmospheric sciences, and biology. Located in the Schirmacher Oasis region of East Antarctica, Maitri symbolises India’s commitment to polar research and international scientific collaboration under the Antarctic Treaty System. The station has been continuously operational since 1989 and serves as a vital hub for India’s Antarctic expeditions.

Background and Establishment

India’s involvement in Antarctic exploration began with the first Indian Antarctic Expedition (1981–82), which led to the establishment of the Dakshin Gangotri Station in 1983. However, Dakshin Gangotri, built on the ice shelf, suffered structural damage due to ice movement and was decommissioned a few years later.
To ensure a more stable and long-term presence, India initiated the construction of a new base on rocky terrain rather than on ice. The Maitri Station was inaugurated on 26 January 1989 (India’s Republic Day) and replaced Dakshin Gangotri as the country’s main Antarctic base. The name “Maitri”, meaning friendship in Sanskrit, reflects the spirit of cooperation in scientific research among nations.

Geographical Location and Environment

Maitri is situated in the Schirmacher Hills of Queen Maud Land, at approximately 70°46′S latitude and 11°44′E longitude, around 100 kilometres inland from the Antarctic coast. The station lies on an ice-free rocky plateau beside Lake Priyadarshini, which provides the station’s freshwater supply.
This location is notable for its relatively mild Antarctic conditions, with:

• Summer temperatures: between –2 °C and +5 °C
• Winter temperatures: dropping to around –15 °C or lower
• Low precipitation: mostly in the form of snow
• Frequent strong winds and blizzards

The surrounding region hosts a variety of lakes and nunataks (exposed rocky peaks), making it ideal for environmental and geological research.

Structure and Facilities

Maitri Station is designed as a self-sustained settlement capable of supporting year-round scientific activity. It consists of interconnected prefabricated buildings with thermal insulation to withstand extreme cold and strong winds.
Key features include:

• Living quarters: Accommodation for about 25 scientists and technical staff during winter and up to 60–70 personnel during summer missions.
• Power generation: Diesel-based generators provide electricity, supplemented by renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar panels in recent years.
• Water and waste management: Lake Priyadarshini supplies fresh water through a filtration system; waste is managed according to Antarctic environmental protocols.
• Laboratories: Facilities for research in atmospheric science, geophysics, glaciology, microbiology, and environmental monitoring.
• Communication systems: Satellite communication links connect the station with India for data transmission and coordination.

Scientific Research and Activities

Maitri plays a crucial role in India’s Antarctic research programme, which is coordinated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. Research activities span multiple disciplines:

• Geology and Geomorphology: Study of the exposed rocks of the Schirmacher Hills to understand Antarctic tectonics, mineralogy, and the geological evolution of the continent.
• Glaciology and Climate Science: Monitoring glacier dynamics, ice–atmosphere interactions, and long-term climate change indicators.
• Atmospheric and Space Physics: Continuous observation of atmospheric parameters, ionospheric behaviour, and cosmic radiation to study global weather patterns and solar–terrestrial interactions.
• Biological and Environmental Studies: Research on extremophilic microbes, lichen and moss ecology, and adaptation mechanisms of life in extreme cold.
• Seismology and Magnetism: Recording seismic activity and studying variations in Earth’s magnetic field at high latitudes.

The data collected from Maitri contributes to global research networks addressing climate change, ozone depletion, and polar processes.

Logistical Operations

The Antarctic expeditions to Maitri are organised annually under the Indian Antarctic Programme. Scientists and support personnel travel via Cape Town, South Africa, and reach the station using ships or aircraft operated through international collaborations. Supplies such as food, fuel, and scientific instruments are transported during the austral summer (November to March) when sea routes are navigable.
The station maintains emergency medical facilities, snow vehicles, and tracked transport units for inland exploration. Maintenance teams ensure continuous power, communication, and safety of the infrastructure throughout the harsh winter months.

Significance and Contributions

Maitri has been central to several decades of Indian scientific achievements in Antarctica, including:

• Long-term meteorological and atmospheric datasets for global climate models.
• Studies on polar geology and mineral resources.
• Research linking Antarctic ice-core data to monsoon patterns and Indian climatic variations.
• Investigation of microbial biodiversity in extreme cold environments, contributing to biotechnology and astrobiology.

The station’s success has strengthened India’s reputation as a responsible and advanced participant in international polar research efforts.

Relationship with Other Indian Antarctic Stations

Maitri was succeeded by Bharati Station, India’s third research base in Antarctica, commissioned in 2012 on the Larsmann Hills near Prydz Bay. While Bharati focuses on oceanographic and atmospheric studies, Maitri continues to function as a vital inland base with long-term geophysical and meteorological research programmes.
Together, Maitri and Bharati allow India to maintain a dual research presence — one inland and one coastal — ensuring year-round data collection and broader geographical coverage.

Environmental and International Commitments

Maitri operates in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Protocol on Environmental Protection (1991). India’s Antarctic operations adhere to strict guidelines for waste management, wildlife protection, and ecosystem preservation.
The station exemplifies India’s commitment to peaceful, cooperative, and environmentally responsible use of the Antarctic region for the benefit of global scientific knowledge.

Future Outlook

The Indian government plans to modernise Maitri with upgraded power systems, renewable energy sources, and improved accommodation and research facilities. The next-generation Maitri is expected to feature sustainable architecture with lower carbon emissions and enhanced automation for remote monitoring.
Upgradation will ensure continued operation for decades, supporting India’s scientific and strategic objectives in polar research and contributing valuable data to studies on climate change, space weather, and Earth system science.