India’s Largest Indigenous Nuclear Plant Breaks Ground in Rajasthan Under PM Modi’s Leadership

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay Foundation Stone for ASHVINI’s Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project - MBRAPP (4X700 MW) at Banswara on 25th Sept 2025. Located in Banswara district of Rajasthan, the project entails an investment of around Rs 42,000 crore.

Upon completion, this project will be one of the largest nuclear plants in the country supplying reliable base load energy and will strengthen India’s position in the environmental stewardship & evolving nuclear energy landscape.

MBRAPP comprises four indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with advanced safety features - also known as IPHWR 700 - designed and developed by NPCIL. The project is part of India’s broader “fleet mode” initiative, where ten identical 700 MW reactors are being built across India under uniform design and procurement plans. Three such reactors have been commissioned and Mahi Banswara is also part of the fleet. This approach promotes the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and brings in cost efficiencies, faster deployment, and consolidated operational expertise.

MBRAPP is being developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI)— with joint participation of NPCIL (51%) and NTPC (49%) pooling the financial, technological, and project expertise of both companies.

MBRAPP will supply clean, affordable and reliable power to Rajasthan and other beneficiaries. This will create direct & indirect employment opportunities and will support local communities, businesses, and industries, supporting the economic growth and prosperity in the state and the country.

On this occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister will also inaugurate RSDCL Nokh Solar Park (925 MW) at Phalodi, Rajasthan in which NTPC is developing 735 MW. This RE project will significantly contribute to India’s clean energy capacity, generating substantial amounts of green power while avoiding millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. In addition to strengthening energy security, they will also spur economic growth by creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

L&T Ships First Steam Generator for Haryana Nuclear Power Plant Ahead of Schedule, Boosting India’s Nuclear Energy Drive

Marking yet another milestone in India’s civil nuclear energy programme, L&T Heavy Engineering has despatched a Steam Generator to the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP), located in Fatehabad district, Haryana.

The Steam Generator was ceremonially flagged off from L&T’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Hazira in Gujarat, in the presence of NPCIL Chairman & Managing Director Mr Bhuwan Chandra Pathak, Director (Technical) Mr Rajesh Veeraraghavan along with other senior officials of NPCIL and L&T.

This is first of the four Steam Generators that L&T is manufacturing for GHAVP and is meant for its Unit 3 & 4. Notably, the Steam Generator has been despatched seven months ahead of schedule, reinforcing L&T’s reputation for excellence and reliability in nuclear manufacturing.

GHAVP 3&4 are a part of the ten indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) being set up in the country in fleet mode by NPCIL.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, NPCIL CMD Mr Pathak said:

With a remarkable technology transformation, L&T Heavy Engineering has enhanced both speed and quality of its execution. This is a strong indication of industry preparedness in manufacturing of critical equipment for nuclear power plants and will go a long way to achieve the target of 100 GWe by 2047

Mr Anil V Parab, Whole-time Director and Senior EVP (Heavy Engineering and Construction Equipment & Industrial Product Design Development, L&T) said: “Heavy Engineering continues to be the industry trendsetter in the manufacture of critical nuclear components. With end-to-end capability as one-stop-shop solution provider, L&T will be a major contributor to India’s 100 GWe nuclear programme of Viksit Bharat - 2047”.

L&T set a global benchmark by delivering a Steam Generator in just 33 months. L&T has till date delivered 5 steam generators for the 10 X 700 MWe fleet programme.

Background:

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–focussed 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.

India Designed Reactor Unit of Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Achieves Criticality (Start of Controlled Fission Chain Reaction)

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has announced that, the Unit 7 of the 2 X 700 MW Rajasthan Atomic Power Project 7 & 8 (RAPP-7&8) at Rawatbhata, achieved the important milestone of Criticality (start of controlled fission chain reaction) on September 19, 2024 at 22:42 hrs, after clearance of First Approach to Criticality by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP), also known as the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS), is a significant nuclear power plant located in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, India.

RAPP-7 is the third in the series of sixteen indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) of 700 MW each, being set up in India.

The successful achievement of Criticality of RAPP-7, after the smooth operation of the first two 700 MW PHWRs, viz. KAPS 3&4 (2X700 MW) at Kakrapar in Gujarat, demonstrates the maturity achieved by NPCIL in the design, construction and operation of the indigenous 700 MW PHWRs.

Criticality for the first time on the project timeline marks the completion of construction phase and commencement of the operation phase.

Various experiments/ tests will now be conducted before connecting it to the grid. Thereafter the power level will be raised in steps to full power, in line with the clearances of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

RAPP-7&8 project is being set up at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan, where already six units with a total capacity of 1180 MW are in operation. RAPP-7 is expected to start generation this year, followed by RAPP-8 in the next year.

NPCIL presently operates 24 reactors with a total capacity of 8180 MW and has eight units (including RAPP-7) with a capacity of 6800 MW under construction. In addition, 10 more reactors with a total capacity of 7000 MW are in pre-project activities. These are expected to be completed progressively by 2031-32.

The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP), also known as the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS), began in 1963, with the first reactor (RAPS-1) becoming operational in 1973. The plant has expanded over the years and currently includes multiple reactors.

The plant operates several pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs). Units 1 and 2 are CANDU reactors, while Units 3 to 8 are Indian-designed PHWRs. The total installed capacity is 1,180 MW, with two additional reactors (Units 7 and 8) under construction, each with a capacity of 700 MW.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has audited the reactors at RAPS and concluded that they are among the best in the world in terms of safety.

Units 7 and 8 are expected to significantly increase the plant’s capacity.

Govt Approves NPCIL-NTPC JV ASHVINI to Build, Own, and Operate Nuclear Power Plants in India

Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI) is a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd. This venture, with NPCIL holding 51% equity and NTPC holding 49%, has been established to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants in India.

On Tuesday, the Indian government granted formal approval to ASHVINI, allowing it to take over the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), which will utilize indigenous Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactor (PHWR) technology and have a capacity of 2800 MW.

In addition to MBRAPP, ASHVINI shall also pursue other nuclear power projects in different parts of the country.

The Department of Atomic Energy, on September 17, 2024, formally handed over the government approval to Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI) to the respective CMDs of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd.

This move is expected to accelerate nuclear power capacity addition in India, contributing to the country's ambitious targets for nuclear energy and its Net Zero emissions goal by 2070.

Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP)

The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) is a significant nuclear power initiative in India. Here are some key details:

• Location: The plant will be built near the Banswara district in Rajasthan, covering an area of approximately 1,366.49 acres.
• Capacity: The project will have an installed capacity of 2800 MW, consisting of four units, each with a capacity of 700 MW.
• Technology: It will utilize Indigenous Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactor (IPHWR-700) technology, similar to the reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station and Rajasthan Atomic Power Station.
• Construction Timeline: Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, with completion expected within 4-5 years.
• Cost: The estimated cost of the project is around ₹50,000 crore (approximately $6 billion USD).
• Environmental Impact: The project includes comprehensive environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures to address potential impacts on air quality, water resources, and local ecology.

This project is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its nuclear power capacity and contribute to its energy security and environmental goals.

North India's 1st Nuclear Plant is Coming Up in Haryana

Representative Image [by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay] 

North India's first Nuclear Plant is coming up in Haryana in the town of Gorakhpur, which is about 150 km north of the national capital of New Delhi. This was disclosed today, by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.

Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, has also been given permission for forming joint ventures with PSUs for resources to opening up of atomic energy plants, which is an upcoming and promising sector, having potential to fulfill India’s all energy needs in times to come.

To recall, in November last year Dr. Jitendra Singh has invited participation of private sector and Startups for building Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Technology within India. India is taking steps for development of SMRs, with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfill its commitment to Clean Energy transition

Today, Dr. Jiteandra Singh said that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime, one of the major achievements would be the installation of Nuclear/ Atomic Energy plants in other parts of the country, which were earlier confined mostly to the South Indian States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh or in the west in Maharashtra.

Keeping in line with the priority to increase India’s nuclear capacity, a number of path breaking decisions were taken in last over 8 years. The minister added that a bulk approval of installation of 10 nuclear reactors has been given a nod by the Modi Government, the minister said.

It is to be noted that, on 13 January 2014, the foundation stone of the first phase of this Nuclear plant project dubbed as Gorakhpur Haryana Nuclear Power Project was laid by the then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The plant is based on indigenous technology developed by Indian scientists. 

Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) having two units of 700 MWe capacity each of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) indigenous design is under implementation near Gorakhpur village in Fatehabad district in Haryana.

Till date, an amount of ₹4,906 Cr has been spent out of total allocated funds 20,594 Cr. (Total Financial progress is 23.8% as on date).

Construction of other Main Plant buildings/structures viz. Fire Water Pump House (FWPH), Safety Related Pump House (SRPH), Fuel Oil storage area-1&2 (FOSA-1&2), Ventilation stack, overhead tank (OHT), Switchyard Control Building, Safety related & Non-safety related Tunnel & Trenches, Retaining walls and Garland Drain is progressing well. Ground improvement in Turbine Building -1 & 2, 220 kV Switchyard and IDCT-1A is completed. Ground improvement in other areas IDCTs, 400kV Switchyard, Emergency makeup water pond and station roads are in progress. The contractors for IDCT package and Turbine Island Package have mobilized site.

Purchase orders for major long manufacturing cycle equipment/components like Primary Coolant Pumps, Calandria, Reactor Headers, Refuelling Machines Heads, Moderator and other D20 Heat Exchangers, etc. are already in place. End Shields and all Steam Generators for the first unit have been received at site. Manufacturing of other equipment is in various stages and delivery at site is expected well in time to meet the construction schedule.

Construction of Water Duct from Tohana to GHAVP for meeting operational cooling water requirements has been taken up through Haryana Irrigation & Water Resources Department (HI&WRD) as deposit work and progressing well.

India Opens Nuclear Energy Space to Pvt Firm; To Tap Start-up Ecosystem, Setup Incubators

On 17 May, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced reforms that include opening up the nuclear/atomic energy sector to private players but as this space is highly sensitive the government will invite private firms only in the application of atomic energy in the fields of medicine, agriculture and nuclear research.

Government will now invite private firms to participate in the consumer application of atomic energy, including medical isotopes for cancer treatment and irradiation technology for the agriculture sector.

The announcement also mentioned linking India’s start up eco-system to the nuclear sector through Technology Development cum Incubation Centers.

There will also be Research Reactor to be set up in public-private partnership (PPP) mode that would use irradiation technology for food preservation -- to compliment agricultural reforms and assist farmers.

Research reactors are nuclear reactors that serve primarily as a neutron source. They are also called non-power reactors, in contrast to power reactors that are used for electricity production, heat generation, or maritime propulsion. Research reactors are simpler than power reactors and operate at lower temperatures. They need far less fuel, and far less fission products build up as the fuel is used.