NPCIL-NTPC JV to Float Bids for ₹28,000 Crore Rajasthan Nuclear Power Project

India’s nuclear power infrastructure is set for another major expansion as Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), the joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited, prepares to invite bids for a major engineering, procurement and construction package worth more than ₹28,000 crore for the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project. The project will involve the construction of four indigenous 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at the Mahi Banswara site in Rajasthan, adding 2,800 MW of clean electricity generation capacity to the national grid.

The upcoming EPC tender marks a significant milestone in India’s long-term strategy to expand its nuclear energy capacity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As electricity demand continues to rise across industries, cities and emerging digital infrastructure such as data centres, nuclear power is expected to play a larger role in providing reliable baseload electricity.

The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project is among the largest nuclear infrastructure investments currently in the pipeline. The four 700 MW reactors will use India’s standardised PHWR technology, enabling faster construction, greater operational efficiency and improved cost management through design standardisation. This approach has already been adopted for several ongoing nuclear projects across the country.

The EPC package is expected to attract participation from leading engineering and construction companies specialising in heavy industrial infrastructure, civil works, mechanical systems, electrical installations and specialised nuclear equipment. The project will also generate opportunities across the domestic manufacturing ecosystem, supporting suppliers involved in steel fabrication, turbines, piping systems, electrical equipment and precision engineering.

Beyond electricity generation, the project is expected to contribute to regional infrastructure development. Large nuclear power stations typically require extensive supporting infrastructure, including access roads, transmission lines, water supply systems, worker housing, logistics facilities and specialised construction equipment. These investments often stimulate local economic activity throughout the construction phase.

India has steadily expanded its nuclear power programme over the past decade as part of its clean energy transition. Nuclear generation offers continuous power output regardless of weather conditions, making it an important complement to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. As the country pursues its net zero commitments and rising industrial demand, diversified energy infrastructure has become a strategic priority.

The NPCIL-NTPC joint venture combines the nuclear engineering expertise of NPCIL with NTPC’s experience in developing and operating large power projects. The collaboration is intended to accelerate project execution while strengthening India’s domestic capabilities in nuclear infrastructure development.

For the infrastructure and construction sector, the Rajasthan project represents one of the country’s largest upcoming EPC opportunities. Contractors specialising in heavy civil engineering, concrete structures, industrial buildings, cooling systems and transmission infrastructure are expected to benefit as procurement activities gather pace.

The project also aligns with the government’s broader objective of expanding domestic energy infrastructure while supporting manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. Greater localisation of equipment and engineering services is expected to strengthen India’s industrial supply chain and reduce reliance on imported technologies.

As tendering progresses over the coming months, industry stakeholders will closely watch timelines for bid submissions, contract awards and construction commencement. Once completed, the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project will become one of India’s largest nuclear generation facilities, strengthening energy security while supporting the country’s growing infrastructure and industrial requirements.