The upgraded GMRT: Opening new windows on the radio Universe

Abstract

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is today a frontline international facility for lowfrequency radio astronomy, that has produced several exciting and important new results in the 15 years that it has been operational. To keep the GMRT competitive in the global arena in the future, a major upgrade of the observatory is nearing completion that will increase its sensitivity by up to three times and make it a more powerful and versatile facility. We describe the main goals of this upgrade, highlight the technical features and challenges, outline the science potential and update the current status of this venture.