Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Banswara, Rajasthan on September 25, 2025. The project comprises four indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor units, with 2,800 MW capacity, at a total cost of about ₹42,000 crore. NTPC later stated that initial testing of the first 700 MW unit is projected for FY 2032-33. NPCIL currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8,780 MW, with total installed capacity envisaged to reach 21,980 MW by 2031-32.
PM to Lay Foundation Stone for Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant
AQuick answer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Banswara, Rajasthan on September 25, 2025. The project comprises four indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor units, with 2,800 MW capacity, at a total cost of about ₹42,000 crore. NTPC later stated that initial testing of the first 700 MW unit is projected for FY 2032-33. NPCIL currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8,780 MW, with total installed capacity envisaged to reach 21,980 MW by 2031-32.
Key facts
- PM Modi to lay foundation of Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant on September 25, 2025.
- The project features four indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs generating 2,800 MW of power.
- Estimated cost is ₹50,000 crore with a 2036 completion target.
- India's current nuclear installed capacity is 7,480 MWe from 23 operational reactors.
- This is part of India's plan to reach 22,480 MWe nuclear capacity by 2031-32.
- The plant will strengthen Rajasthan's energy security and reduce carbon emissions.
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What is the total installed capacity of the proposed Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant in Rajasthan?
Explanation · Correct answer D
The Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant will feature four indigenous 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), generating a total of 2,800 MW of power.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant and when was its foundation stone laid?
The Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant is a greenfield nuclear project in Rajasthan comprising four indigenous 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), with a combined generation capacity of 2,800 MW. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone on September 25, 2025. The project is estimated to cost ₹50,000 crore and is targeted for completion by 2036.
What is a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and why is it significant for India?
A Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as both a moderator and coolant, and can be fuelled by natural uranium — without the need for enrichment. This technology is significant for India because it leverages India's domestic uranium resources and represents decades of indigenous nuclear engineering expertise developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and NPCIL, reducing dependence on imported technology.
What is India's current nuclear power installed capacity and the target for 2031-32?
As of 2024, India's nuclear installed capacity stands at 7,480 MWe (approximately 8.18 GW) from 23 operational reactors. India aims to scale this up to 22,480 MWe by 2031-32, nearly tripling its nuclear capacity. The Mahi-Banswara plant's 2,800 MW contribution will be a significant step towards achieving this target.
Why was Banswara in Rajasthan chosen for a nuclear power plant?
Banswara in Rajasthan was chosen for the Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant due to its proximity to the Mahi river (a key water source for reactor cooling), availability of land, lower seismic activity, and its location in a power-deficit region. The plant will directly improve Rajasthan's energy security by adding significant baseload capacity to the state and regional grid.
How does the Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Power Plant fit into India's broader energy transition?
Nuclear power provides zero-carbon baseload electricity — generation that runs continuously regardless of weather — which complements intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. By adding 2,800 MW of nuclear capacity, Mahi-Banswara supports India's goal of reducing coal dependency, meeting rising electricity demand without increasing carbon emissions, and achieving its NDC target of 22.48 GW nuclear capacity by 2031-32.
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