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ASHVINI to Float ₹28,000 Crore Mahi Banswara EPC Tender for Nuclear Power Project

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Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited, is set to invite bids worth ₹28,000 crore for the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) at the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) in Banswara district, Rajasthan. This project involves construction of four 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units, with a total capacity of 2,800 MWe. The project is part of India's indigenous 700 MW PHWR programme, with an overall estimated cost of ₹50,000 crore. Excavation activities for Units 1 and 2 were approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board in March 2026, and the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 September 2025. This project supports India’s nuclear power capacity targets of 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047.

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Key Facts

  • ASHVINI is a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited.
  • ASHVINI is inviting bids for an EPC tender valued at ₹28,000 crore for the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) located in Banswara district, Rajasthan.
  • The EPC package covers four 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units, with a combined capacity of 2,800 MWe.
  • The overall estimated project cost is ₹50,000 crore.
  • The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approved excavation activities for Units 1 and 2 of MBRAPP in March 2026.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project on 25 September 2025.
  • India’s nuclear power capacity targets are 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047.

Background & Context

ASHVINI, a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC, was established to undertake Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) activities related to nuclear power projects in India. The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project is part of India's indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor programme. PHWR technology uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as the neutron moderator and coolant, a reactor design that India has deployed extensively within its domestic nuclear fleet.

The Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) includes engineering design, manufacturing and supply of equipment, civil construction, installation of systems, testing, and commissioning support for the nuclear island (the core reactor facility). This tender is noted as the largest Nuclear Island EPC package issued so far for India's indigenous 700 MW PHWR programme.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This project exemplifies India’s strategic initiatives to expand its nuclear energy capacity with indigenous technology, which is crucial for meeting future energy demands while supporting climate and sustainability goals. The details regarding project scale, technology type, costs, institutional collaborations, and government timelines are significant for competitive exams focusing on Indian infrastructure, energy, and nuclear policies.

Points to Remember

  • ASHVINI = Joint Venture between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) & NTPC Limited
  • Project name: Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP)
  • Reactor Type: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
  • Project Capacity: Four units × 700 MWe = 2,800 MWe total
  • EPC Tender Value: ₹28,000 crore (Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package - NIMEP)
  • Project Overall Estimated Cost: ₹50,000 crore
  • Foundation Stone Laid: 25 September 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Excavation Approval: March 2026 by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (Units 1 and 2)
  • India's Nuclear Power Targets: 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047
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