From Goa to the Ice: India Launches First Direct Air Cargo to Antarctica

In a milestone for India's Antarctic operations, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa dispatched a direct air cargo flight carrying 18 tonnes of vital supplies to the frozen continent on Thursday. Departing from Manohar International Airport in Mopa, North Goa, the mission—flagged off by NCPOR Director Dr Thamban Meloth—represents a leap in logistical self-reliance for the country's polar expeditions. The flight, operated by DROMLAN using an IL-76 aircraft, is loaded with scientific instruments, medicines, and annual provisions essential for sustaining Indian research stations amid the harsh Antarctic environment.

NCPOR, a flagship institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, oversees India's comprehensive polar and Southern Ocean research programmes. Established in 1998, it coordinates expeditions that have expanded India's footprint in Antarctica since the nation's first venture in 1981 with the commissioning of Dakshin Gangotri station. The current shipment will bolster operations at key outposts like Bharati—India's all-weather research base established in 2013—and Maitri, operational since 1989.

These stations host multidisciplinary studies in glaciology, oceanography, atmospheric science, and climate change, contributing to global data on polar ice melt and biodiversity. "This direct route strengthens India’s self-reliant polar logistics and underscores our commitment to cutting-edge Antarctic research," Dr Meloth stated during the flag-off ceremony.

The flight's path routes through Cape Town, South Africa, as a logistical gateway, a collaboration facilitated by GMR Aero Cargo and Logistics alongside partners Alpha Crux, Ultima Antarctic Logistics, and South African authorities. This initiative circumvents traditional multi-leg shipments via Mauritius or cargo vessels, slashing transit times from weeks to days and minimising risks from rough seas.

Historically, India's Antarctic supply chain has relied on seasonal ships like MV Sagar Kanya, but air cargo enhances agility for time-sensitive equipment like ice-core drills and seismic sensors. A senior NCPOR spokesperson noted, "The cargo will support ongoing scientific research... at stations like Bharati and Maitri," emphasising its role in uninterrupted data collection vital for UN climate reports.

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As India eyes 40th anniversary celebrations of its Antarctic programme in 2025, this mission aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat push for indigenous capabilities. With 50 scientists typically deployed annually, efficient logistics are crucial amid escalating global interest in polar resources. The flight's success could pave the way for more direct operations, positioning India as a stronger player in the Antarctic Treaty System, which governs peaceful scientific use of the continent. Environmental safeguards remain paramount, with all cargo adhering to strict biosecurity protocols to protect fragile ecosystems.

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