Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) is preparing to invite bids for a ₹28,000 crore nuclear island EPC package for four 700 MW reactors at the Mahi Banswara project, according to latest reports. The tender represents the largest such package under India's PHWR programme, as confirmed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). ASHVINI is a subsidiary of NPCIL and operates as a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC Limited, with the Mahi Banswara project being the first project to be implemented through the joint venture model. The tender covers engineering, manufacturing, supply, civil construction, installation, testing and commissioning support for the nuclear island systems of four 700 MW units.
The Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) encompasses engineering, manufacturing, supply, civil construction, installation, testing, and commissioning assistance for critical nuclear island systems for four PHWR units of 700 MWe capacity each, as reported by The Economic Times. The contract for the so-called nuclear island package for the 2.8 gigawatts power station is estimated to be worth ₹28,000 crore ($2.9 billion), according to NPCIL's social media post. Bids are due by September 30, with the tender covering the nuclear island comprising the reactor and associated safety-critical systems, making it the most specialized component of a nuclear power plant. The Mahi Banswara project will have a total installed capacity of 2,800 MW and forms a key part of India's strategy to expand nuclear power generation to meet rising electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions.
The Mahi Banswara project will be the country's first nuclear generator that is not fully-owned by Nuclear Power Corp., which currently operates India's entire atomic energy capacity of 8.8 gigawatts. As reported by Business Standard, this marks a significant shift in India's nuclear energy landscape as the sector opens up to private participation. Anushakti Vidhyut plans to build four reactors of 700 megawatts each based on the locally developed pressurized heavy water technology. The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's ambitious goal to expand the country's nuclear generation capacity eleven-fold by 2047, with the sector currently supplying just 3% of India's electricity. The Anushakti project is estimated to cost ₹42,000 crore and the first reactor is set to start operations in 2031, with the remaining three units following over the next five years.
According to NPCIL's social media statement, the project represents another significant milestone in strengthening India's indigenous nuclear manufacturing ecosystem and promoting advanced engineering capabilities. The tender presents substantial opportunities for Indian industry to participate in one of the nation's largest nuclear infrastructure initiatives. The project aligns with India's long-term energy security objectives and the national vision of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Industry experts believe the massive ₹28,000 crore investment will create employment opportunities, boost local infrastructure, and support economic growth in Rajasthan. The upcoming tender is expected to attract major infrastructure and engineering companies, marking another significant step in India's clean energy transition and supporting India's accelerated nuclear expansion program under the Nuclear Energy Mission.
