ASHVINI set to invite bids for construction of Rs 28,000-cr Rajasthan nuclear power project

New Delhi: Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI), the joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd, is set to invite bids for a nuclear island engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package worth over Rs 28,000 crore for four 700 MW reactors at the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan atomic power project.

The tender, one of the largest EPC packages issued for India's indigenous pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) program, covers engineering, manufacturing, supply, civil construction, installation, testing and commissioning support for the nuclear island systems of four 700 MW units.

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ASHVINI was incorporated as a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC to develop, own and operate nuclear power projects. The Mahi Banswara project in Rajasthan is the first project to be implemented through the joint venture model.

The nuclear island comprises the reactor and associated safety-critical systems, making it the most specialised component of a nuclear power plant. Awarding a single EPC package for four units is expected to create economies of scale and expand opportunities for domestic manufacturers and engineering firms.

The tender comes as the Centre accelerates its nuclear expansion program under the Nuclear Energy Mission.

The current nuclear energy capacity in India stands at 8.8 GW, which are being operated by NPCIL. The aim is to take this capacity to 22 GW by 2032.

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The government has set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and has announced legislative and policy reforms to encourage greater participation of Indian industry in the sector.

The Mahi Banswara project will add 2,800 MW of nuclear generation capacity and is expected to contribute to India's long-term strategy of expanding reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity while strengthening the domestic nuclear manufacturing ecosystem.

The package is expected to provide a major boost to domestic nuclear equipment manufacturing and engineering companies, with the project relying on India's indigenous PHWR technology.