India launches largest-ever `28K crore indigenous nuclear power EPC tender

POWERING TOMORROW TOGETHER | Mega project boosts clean energy capacity

Business Desk

mumbai

India has taken a decisive step towards expanding its civil nuclear programme with the rollout of the country’s largest-ever indigenous nuclear power Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) tender, valued at more than ₹28,000 crore. The landmark project is expected to deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen India's engineering ecosystem and accelerate the nation's long-term transition towards clean, dependable electricity.

The mega contract will be issued by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and a joint venture with NTPC Limited. It relates to the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) for Units 1 to 4 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), where four indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) will be constructed.

NPCIL said the package will encompass every critical aspect of the nuclear island, including engineering, manufacturing, procurement, supply, civil construction, installation, testing and commissioning support. The scale of the project makes it the biggest EPC package ever awarded under India's indigenous PHWR programme.

More importantly, the initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to domestic industry by opening opportunities for Indian engineering companies, equipment manufacturers, fabricators and specialised technology providers. The project reinforces the government's broader objective of developing a self-reliant industrial ecosystem capable of delivering sophisticated infrastructure for strategic sectors. The announcement also underlines India's growing confidence in its home-grown reactor technology. Over the past decade, indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs have become the backbone of the country's nuclear expansion strategy, reducing reliance on imported technology while creating long-term opportunities for Indian manufacturers across the supply chain.

The project assumes greater significance as India accelerates its clean energy transition. Unlike renewable sources that depend on weather conditions, nuclear power provides uninterrupted baseload electricity with minimal carbon emissions, making it an essential component of the country's diversified energy mix.

According to official data, India's installed nuclear power capacity currently stands at 8.78 GW, generating 56,681 million units of electricity during 2024-25 and contributing 3.1% of the nation's total electricity production. The government plans to increase installed capacity to 22.38 GW by 2031-32 through a combination of indigenous 700 MW PHWRs and 1,000 MW reactors being developed under international partnerships. (With inputs from ANI)