AERB Approves Excavation for Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project | 03 Apr 2026

Why in News?

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has approved excavation work for Units 1 and 2 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), marking an important step in the construction of the nuclear power plant in Rajasthan.

Key Points

• Approval: The AERB granted permission to start excavation activities for Units 1 and 2 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.
  • The project is being developed by Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited.
• Foundation: The foundation stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2025.
  • The project is estimated to cost around ₹42,000 crore.
• Location: The Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project is located in Banswara district of Rajasthan, near the Mahi River.
• Project Capacity: The nuclear power project will have four units of 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a total installed capacity of about 2,800 MW.
  • PHWRs use natural uranium as fuel, while heavy water (deuterium oxide) acts as both the coolant and the moderator.
• Fleet Mode Programme: The project is part of India’s “fleet mode” nuclear programme, which aims to build multiple reactors of the same design across the country to reduce costs and speed up construction.
• Energy Security: The project is expected to strengthen India’s nuclear power capacity and support long-term energy security while promoting clean energy generation.