DRDO Opens Quantum Tech Centre in Delhi

28 May 2025 CW Team

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) on 27 May 2025 at Metcalfe House, Delhi, to advance India’s capabilities in quantum technologies for strategic and defence applications.

Inaugurated by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, the centre is equipped with cutting-edge experimental setups to drive R&D in key quantum domains. Facilities include systems for characterising Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) and Distributed Feedback Lasers, test-beds for single-photon sources, and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)—enabling ultra-secure communication in the post-quantum landscape.

Led by DRDO’s Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) and Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), the centre is also focused on foundational technologies such as:

Ultra-Small Atomic Clocks for precision timing in GNSS-denied zones
Atomic Magnetometers for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection
Advanced solid-state quantum devices and material

QTRC represents DRDO’s continued leadership in quantum sensing, secure communication, and post-quantum cryptography. As a major contributor to the National Quantum Mission, DRDO is committed to developing sovereign quantum solutions vital to India’s strategic autonomy.

The inauguration was attended by Smt Suma Varughese, DG (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems), whose leadership was central to the facility’s creation, along with Dr Manu Korulla, DG (Resource & Management), and senior scientists from SSPL and SAG.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..