The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) said Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a subsidiary and joint venture with NTPC Limited, will issue a Nuclear Island Engineering, Procurement and Construction tender for the indigenous pressurised heavy water reactor programme. The tender invites bids for the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Units one to four, comprising four 700 megawatt (MW) reactors. The package is estimated at more than Rs 280 bn and covers engineering, manufacturing, supply, civil construction, installation, testing and commissioning assistance for critical nuclear island systems.

NPCIL described the package as the largest nuclear island EPC package floated for the indigenous PHWR programme and said it will strengthen the domestic nuclear manufacturing ecosystem and promote advanced engineering capabilities. The corporation indicated the project will accelerate the clean energy transition and create substantial opportunities for Indian industry to participate in major nuclear infrastructure works. It added the tender supports the national vision of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.

Government data cited by NPCIL shows installed nuclear capacity currently at eight point seven eight gigawatt (GW) and that, during 2024-25, nuclear plants generated 56,681 mn units of electricity. Nuclear energy contributed around three per cent of total electricity generation, with its share at three point one per cent in 2024-25. The government noted that the country's nuclear capacity is expected to grow nearly three times as indigenous 700 MW and 1,000 MW reactors are developed, with projections placing capacity at 22.38 GW by 2031-32.

The tender is designed to engage domestic suppliers across the full lifecycle of nuclear island works to bolster supply chain depth and technical expertise. ASHVINI and NPCIL are expected to apply rigorous evaluation standards given the technical and regulatory demands. Observers said the move underlines emphasis on low carbon baseload capacity as India pursues energy security and industrial development. India has signed intergovernmental agreements on civil nuclear cooperation with 18 countries, which NPCIL presented as evidence of growing international confidence.