AERB approves excavation work for units 1, 2 of Mahi Banswara nuclear power project

New Delhi: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given consent for the start of activities towards excavation for the construction of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Nuclear Power Project (MBRAPP) units one and two.

The project will be developed by Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited to build, own and operate nuclear power plants in the country.

"The excavation consent follows the consent issued to NPCIL for the Mahi Banswara Site in May 2025 for construction of MBRAPP Units 1- 4. The consent was subsequently transferred to ASHVINI in September 2025," the AERB said on March 26.


Units one and two of MBRAPP will have a 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) design.

The PHWRs are reactors that use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water (deuterium oxide) as coolant and moderator.

In September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the MBRAPP in Rajasthan's Banswara.

The project is to be set up at a total cost of Rs 42,000 crore.