L&T Bags Contract to Build LIGO Observatory in Maharashtra

28 Feb 2026 CW Team

The observatory will be built on a site at Aundha and is expected to be completed within 48 months. The work will encompass complex civil engineering and specialised scientific infrastructure to house sensitive interferometry equipment and supporting facilities. Project delivery is scheduled in phases to allow installation and calibration of scientific instruments once construction milestones are met. Phased delivery should permit early installation and staged commissioning of sensors to allow incremental science verification.

Though the contract value was not disclosed by the Department of Atomic Energy, industry estimates placed it at about Rs 10 billion (bn), equivalent to 1,000 crore. L&T indicated that detailed financials were withheld pending formal disclosures. The estimate positions the project among the larger government-funded scientific constructions in recent years and reflects substantial investment in national research infrastructure. Industry sources said such estimates reflect the cost of specialised systems and long lead-time components.

Observers said the project is expected to bolster India's capabilities in gravitational wave science and to integrate national facilities into the international detector network. The construction contract is likely to stimulate local employment and supply chains during the execution phase, while later stages will focus on commissioning and research collaboration. Officials and scientists will monitor progress closely as the site advances towards operational readiness.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Larsen & Toubro has secured a major contract from the Department of Atomic Energy to construct India's Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) at Aundha in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. The company announced the award in Mumbai, describing the project as a national scientific infrastructure initiative aimed at detecting gravitational waves from high-energy cosmic events such as black hole mergers and neutron star collisions. The development forms part of India's expanding research capabilities in astrophysics. The Department of Atomic Energy will oversee the project in collaboration with national research institutes. The observatory will be built on a site at Aundha and is expected to be completed within 48 months. The work will encompass complex civil engineering and specialised scientific infrastructure to house sensitive interferometry equipment and supporting facilities. Project delivery is scheduled in phases to allow installation and calibration of scientific instruments once construction milestones are met. Phased delivery should permit early installation and staged commissioning of sensors to allow incremental science verification. Though the contract value was not disclosed by the Department of Atomic Energy, industry estimates placed it at about Rs 10 billion (bn), equivalent to 1,000 crore. L&T indicated that detailed financials were withheld pending formal disclosures. The estimate positions the project among the larger government-funded scientific constructions in recent years and reflects substantial investment in national research infrastructure. Industry sources said such estimates reflect the cost of specialised systems and long lead-time components. Observers said the project is expected to bolster India's capabilities in gravitational wave science and to integrate national facilities into the international detector network. The construction contract is likely to stimulate local employment and supply chains during the execution phase, while later stages will focus on commissioning and research collaboration. Officials and scientists will monitor progress closely as the site advances towards operational readiness.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..