AERB clears excavation for Mahi Banswara nuclear project Units 1 and 2

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted approval to begin excavation activities for Units 1 and 2 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) in Rajasthan. The units are based on the standard 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design.

The project is located in Banswara district, Rajasthan, and is being implemented by Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI). The company was formed in 2024 as a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (51%) and NTPC Limited (49%) to develop and operate nuclear power plants under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

The excavation approval follows an earlier site construction consent issued to NPCIL in May 2025 for Units 1 to 4 of the project. This consent was transferred to ASHVINI in September 2025.

The 700 MWe PHWR units planned at MBRAPP Units 1 and 2 are similar to Units 3 and 4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, which were licensed for regular operation in July 2025. Similar units, Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Units 7 and 8, are currently under commissioning at Rawatbhata.

The Mahi Banswara project has a total planned capacity of 2,800 MW. It was inaugurated in September 2025 by Narendra Modi. The project is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 420 billion and is intended to provide base load power. The first unit is targeted for commissioning in 2031, with full project completion expected by 2036.

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