Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) bio-containment facility at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre in Gandhinagar.
The facility, being built at a cost of ₹362 crore over an area of 11,000 square metres, will be India’s second BSL-4 laboratory, following the National Institute of Virology in Pune, and the first such high-level lab established by a state government. Once operational, it will allow Indian scientists to research highly infectious and deadly viruses in a secure environment, reducing dependence on foreign laboratories for testing dangerous pathogens.
Equipped with world-class infrastructure, the laboratory will focus on zoonotic diseases, which spread from animals to humans and account for an estimated 60-70 per cent of infectious diseases. The project aligns with India’s One Health Mission, aimed at protecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
The initiative comes amid the rapid growth of India’s biotechnology sector, which has expanded from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 166 billion in 2024. The number of biotech startups has risen from fewer than 500 in 2014 to over 10,000 by 2025, while patent filings have increased more than tenfold, reflecting the country’s growing capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship.
India’s leadership in vaccine manufacturing was also highlighted, with the country producing nearly 60 per cent of the world’s vaccines. Significant achievements such as the development of the indigenous cervical cancer vaccine, Cervavac, and the world’s first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine demonstrate India’s expanding scientific capabilities.
The facility will also support efforts to address global health challenges, including Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which poses a major risk to human health. The laboratory aims to strengthen early detection, rapid diagnosis, and effective response to emerging infectious diseases, contributing to overall pandemic preparedness.
The foundation stone ceremony underscores the government’s approach to integrating scientific advancement with cultural heritage, following initiatives such as the recent Somnath Swabhimaan Parv in Gujarat. The establishment of the BSL-4 facility reflects a commitment to science-driven development alongside India’s rich traditions.
