New Delhi: India has advanced its nuclear energy expansion with a tender worth 28,000 crore rupees for constructing the nuclear island at the planned 4×700 MW Mahi Banswara facility in Rajasthan.
The bid was issued by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd, formed by NTPC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. It represents the biggest contract under the domestic pressurized heavy water reactor initiative and supports official targets for faster growth in nuclear output.
This marks the first nuclear station in India without full ownership by NPCIL, which currently controls the entire 8.8 GW of installed nuclear capacity.
The Nuclear Island EPC package covers reactor building foundations, internal structures, heavy water facilities, water systems, and waste handling infrastructure.
A nuclear island comprises the reactor core and all essential systems for steam generation and safe operations.
Bids are due by 30 September 2026. The venture intends to install four 700 MW units using indigenous pressurized heavy water technology.
NPCIL stated the package exceeds 28,000 crore rupees and is the largest ever for the PHWR programme, encompassing engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing and commissioning for four 700 MW units.
The tender aligns with efforts to increase nuclear generation for energy security and transition. India aims for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, with official projections showing growth to 22.38 GW by 2031-32 through 700 MW and 1,000 MW reactors.
Nuclear power, though not renewable, produces no fossil emissions and supports cleaner energy goals. In 2024-25 it generated 56,681 million units, or 3.1 percent of total electricity.
Recent legislation has permitted private participation in nuclear generation and adjusted supplier liabilities. Firms including Adani Group, Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Power, IndianOil and ONGC have expressed interest. NTPC has also created a nuclear-focused subsidiary.
The FY26 budget introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission with 20,000 crore rupees for small modular reactor development, targeting at least five units by 2033.
Earlier this year the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam reached criticality, advancing domestic fuel capabilities.
