Mumbai: Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a significant order from the Department of Atomic Energy for the establishment of the LIGO India Observatory at Aundha in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district.
The contract for the LIGO India Observatory has been awarded jointly to L&T’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure (HCI) and Heavy Engineering (HE) verticals, reinforcing the company’s position in delivering advanced scientific infrastructure.
The LIGO India Observatory will be developed as part of India’s flagship Mega Science initiatives and marks a major milestone in strengthening the country’s capabilities in gravitational wave research.
The observatory will come up at Aundha in Hingoli district of Maharashtra and is expected to contribute significantly to the global scientific community.
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LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) is used for the detection of gravitational waves caused by cataclysmic cosmic events through multikilometer-scale wave detectors using laser interferometry.
The LIGO India Observatory will deploy advanced infrastructure to support these precision-driven scientific measurements.
The project will be developed through a collaboration between premier Indian research institutions, including Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) and Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), along with the LIGO Laboratory of the United States.
The international collaboration is further supported by California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Through this partnership, the LIGO India Observatory will become part of the global gravitational wave detection network.
Under the awarded contract, L&T’s scope for the LIGO India Observatory includes comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction of vibration-sensitive, specialised high-precision civil infrastructure.
The company will also manufacture and install an ultra-high vacuum compatible 8 km beam tube along with critical equipment required for the vacuum infrastructure.
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LIGO India Observatory Project Scope
In addition, the LIGO India Observatory project scope covers integration of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, fire protection systems, vacuum control, monitoring systems, and all necessary support utilities. The project is scheduled for completion within 48 months.
This significant order for the LIGO India Observatory further reinforces L&T’s strong track record and proven expertise in delivering complex projects in the field of science and technology infrastructure.
Larsen & Toubro is a USD 30 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, and Services, operating across multiple geographies.
A strong, customer-focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.
