New Delhi: While presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “To promote Astrophysics and Astronomy via immersive
experiences, 4 Telescope Infrastructure facilities will be set up or upgraded – the National Large Solar Telescope, the National Large Optical infrared Telescope, the Himalayan Chandra Telescope and the COSMOS2 Planetarium.” The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is a proposed two metre class optical and near infrared observational facility, planned to address an array of scientific mysterious around the origin and dynamics of solar magnetic fields. The instrument has a broad scope and is expected to complement observations by ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission, as well as the MAST telescope in Udaipur.
This is wonderful. Particularly happy to see that beyond the critical scientific infrastructure for astronomy (the observatory class telescopes), astronomy outreach – to connect with the society at large and the taxpayers who fund our science – is being encouraged.
— Dibyendu Nandi (@ydnad0) February 1, 2026
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) plans to install the NLST close to the Pongong Lake in Merak, Ladakh at an altitude of 4,200 m. The high altitude desert environment is suitable for optical and near IR observations with minimal disturbance by the atmosphere. The site also provides high transparency for coronagraphic skies. Sitharaman had visited this site in June 2025. The National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT) is planned as a 10-metre class observatory, and will allow deep-sky observations of faint and distant objects such as exoplanets, star-forming regions, distant galaxies and transients. This instrument will also operate across optical and infrared wavelengths, and will strengthen Indian science when it comes to studies cosmology, stellar evolution and galaxy formation.
A growing commitment to science communication
The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) is a two metre optical-infrared telescope already operational in Hanle, Ladakh. This is one of the highest observatories in the world. This facility is expected to be improved in sensitivity, instrumentation and data-handling capabilities. Since science operations commenced in 2001, the HCT has contribtued to important work in gamma-ray bursts, variable stars and active galactic nuclei. The COSMOS 2 Planetarium in Amravati will function as a modern educational and outreach centre featuring interactive exhibits, immersive dome shows and simulations of celestial phenomena, making complex astronomical concepts accessible to students, educators and the general public.
