By Vikas Sir, Founder & Senior Faculty – Cosmo Classes | 15 July 2026
Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) is set to invite bids for a ₹28,000 crore Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) tender for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Banswara district, Rajasthan. The package, named the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP), covers four 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor units with a combined capacity of 2,800 MWe.
ASHVINI and Project Structure
ASHVINI is a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited. The project is also known as the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP).
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor Programme
The project belongs to India's indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) programme. A PHWR uses heavy water as both moderator and coolant, and this reactor type forms the backbone of India's domestic nuclear fleet.
Scope of the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package
The EPC package covers engineering, manufacturing, equipment supply, civil construction, system installation, testing and commissioning support for the nuclear island. It is described as the largest Nuclear Island EPC package issued for India's indigenous 700 MW PHWR programme.
Important Facts for Exams
- Regulatory nod: AERB approved excavation for MBRAPP Units 1 and 2 in March 2026.
- Foundation stone: Laid by PM Narendra Modi on 25 September 2025.
- Overall project cost: Estimated ₹50,000 crore.
- Reactor type: 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (indigenous).
- Nuclear targets: 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047.
Project Snapshot
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| EPC tender value | ₹28,000 crore |
| Units × Capacity | 4 × 700 MWe = 2,800 MWe |
| Joint venture | NPCIL + NTPC (ASHVINI) |
| Overall cost | ₹50,000 crore |
Static GK on Nuclear Power
A Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor uses heavy water (D₂O) as moderator and coolant. NPCIL operates India's commercial nuclear plants. Exam hint: PHWR is India's indigenous workhorse reactor design.
Practice Questions
Q1. ASHVINI is a joint venture between which two entities?
A) NPCIL and NTPC
B) NPCIL and BHEL
C) NTPC and DAE
D) NPCIL and ISRO
Answer: A
Q2. What is the value of the Mahi Banswara EPC tender?
A) ₹15,000 crore
B) ₹28,000 crore
C) ₹50,000 crore
D) ₹1,00,000 crore
Answer: B
Q3. Each reactor unit at Mahi Banswara has a capacity of:
A) 220 MWe
B) 540 MWe
C) 700 MWe
D) 1,000 MWe
Answer: C
Q4. Which reactor type is used in the project?
A) Fast Breeder Reactor
B) Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor
C) Boiling Water Reactor
D) Light Water Reactor
Answer: B
Q5. India's nuclear power target for 2047 is:
A) 22 GW
B) 40 GW
C) 100 GW
D) 150 GW
Answer: C
Q6. Consider the statements:
1. The project comprises four 700 MWe PHWR units.
2. Combined capacity is 2,800 MWe.
3. It is part of the indigenous PHWR programme.
Which are correct?
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 3
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
UPSC / RPSC Relevance
- UPSC Prelims: PHWR, NPCIL, NTPC, nuclear energy targets.
- UPSC Mains – GS Paper III: Energy security and indigenous nuclear technology.
- RPSC / SSC: Rajasthan-based projects and science & technology current affairs.
Mains Descriptive Question
GS Paper III: "Indigenous 700 MW PHWRs are central to India's clean-energy and energy-security goals." Discuss with reference to the Mahi Banswara project. (250 words · 15 marks)