NTPC Ltd and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) are gearing up to invite bids for the construction works of the 2,800-MW Mahi Banswara Rajasthan nuclear power project within the current financial year. This initiative is aligned with the government’s strategic objective to accelerate the expansion of nuclear power capacity in the country.
The collaboration between NTPC and NPCIL, facilitated through their joint venture entity, Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd, signifies a concerted effort to bolster India’s nuclear energy infrastructure. Earlier in March, NTPC formalised a supplementary joint venture agreement with NPCIL to spearhead the development of the Mahi Banswara project, alongside the 1,400 MW Chutka Madhya Pradesh Atomic Power projects. According to NTPC officials, the Mahi Banswara and Chutka projects have been identified for transfer from NPCIL to the joint venture entity. The transfer process is currently underway with the Department of Atomic Energy, with expectations of completion within the fiscal year. Once the transfer is finalised, the joint venture will assume responsibility for further project execution activities.
This initiative gains significance against the backdrop of the government’s ambitious target to achieve a nuclear power capacity of 22,800 MW by the fiscal year 2031-32, a substantial increase from the current capacity of 7,480 MW. The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan power project is estimated to require an investment of approximately ₹44,800 crore, while the Chutka project is projected to cost around ₹22,400 crore.
For NTPC, these proposed nuclear projects represent a significant foray into nuclear power generation, expanding its portfolio beyond conventional thermal and renewable energy sources. By leveraging its expertise and resources in collaboration with NPCIL, NTPC aims to contribute to India’s energy security and sustainable development goals through the adoption of clean and efficient nuclear power technology.
