New Delhi: In a significant push towards enhancing India’s energy security and sustainable development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially laid the foundation stone for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP). This ambitious initiative, announced on September 26, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s nuclear energy expansion. Located in Banswara, Rajasthan, near the Mahi Dam on the River Mahi, the project is set to become a cornerstone of India’s efforts to ramp up clean, reliable power generation. With a total capacity of 4 x 700 MWe using indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), MBRAPP is poised to contribute substantially to the country’s electricity needs while aligning with global environmental goals.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, was part of a broader event where the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects valued at over INR 1,22,100 crore (approximately USD 18.8 billion, noting that 1 crore equals 10 million). This includes a massive investment in solar projects worth INR 19,210 crore and three power transmission projects exceeding INR 13,180 crore, alongside substations and other infrastructure enhancements. The event underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating India’s transition to clean energy, with electricity seen as the driving force behind technological advancement, industrial growth, and national progress.
Key Details of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project
At the heart of this initiative is the MBRAPP, which will feature four nuclear power units, each with a 700 MWe capacity, totaling 2,800 MW. This makes it one of the largest nuclear facilities in India, designed to provide reliable base load energy. The project is being spearheaded by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC). NPCIL holds a 51% stake, while NTPC owns the remaining 49%, combining their expertise in financial resources, technology, and project management.
The total investment for MBRAPP is estimated at around Rs 42,000 crore, highlighting its scale and importance. As part of India’s “fleet mode” initiative, the project involves constructing ten identical 700 MW reactors across various sites in the country under standardized design and procurement strategies. This approach is expected to deliver cost efficiencies, faster deployment timelines, and consolidated operational knowledge. Other reactors in this fleet include Kaiga units 5 and 6 in Karnataka, Gorakhpur units 3 and 4 in Haryana, and Chutka units 1 and 2 in Madhya Pradesh. Notably, two 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar in Gujarat are already operational commercially, Rajasthan unit 7 was connected to the grid in March, and construction continues on Rajasthan unit 8.
The site’s location near Napla village has received regulatory approval. Earlier in 2025, India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted consent to NPCIL for siting the reactors, marking the first major milestone in the licensing process. This consent was subsequently transferred to ASHVINI in early September 2025. The PHWRs are indigenously designed by NPCIL, emphasizing India’s self-reliance in nuclear technology.
Beyond power generation, MBRAPP is anticipated to create direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting local communities, businesses, and industries. This will foster economic growth and prosperity not just in Rajasthan but across the nation. The project will supply clean, affordable, and dependable electricity to Rajasthan and other beneficiaries, reinforcing India’s position in environmental stewardship and the global nuclear energy sector.
India’s Current Nuclear Power Landscape and Future Ambitions
India’s nuclear energy sector is on a trajectory of rapid expansion. As of January 30, 2025, the country operates 24 reactors across seven power plants, with a total installed capacity of 8,180 MW. The government has set an ambitious target to elevate this to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, reflecting a strategic focus on diversifying energy sources.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, nuclear power contributed 3.61% to India’s total electricity generation, positioning it as the fifth-largest non-fossil fuel source. This growth is integral to India’s three-stage Nuclear Power Programme (NPP). Currently, the nation is in the first stage, which relies on uranium-fueled PHWRs. The subsequent second stage will involve Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium-based fuel, while the third stage will leverage thorium resources, tapping into India’s abundant thorium reserves for long-term sustainability.
This phased approach ensures a gradual shift towards more advanced and efficient nuclear technologies, reducing dependence on imported fuels and enhancing energy independence.
Broader Inaugurations and Energy Initiatives
The foundation-laying for MBRAPP was accompanied by the inauguration of several other key projects, totaling over Rs 51,000 crore in energy investments in Rajasthan alone. Among these is the RSDCL Nokh Solar Park (925 MW) at Phalodi, where NTPC is developing 735 MW. Additionally, the Prime Minister launched solar projects by the Avaada Group, including a 1,560 MWp solar plus 2,500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Pugal and a 200 MW (282 MWp) solar power project at Dungargarh. These initiatives represent a combined investment exceeding Rs 9,200 crore in Rajasthan’s renewable sector.
The Avaada projects are projected to generate over 1,600 green jobs in the state, reduce more than 20 lakh tons of CO2 emissions annually, and conserve approximately 600 lakh liters of water each year through innovative robotic cleaning systems. Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, emphasized their commitment to empowering communities, creating livelihoods, and building a sustainable, self-reliant nation.
Furthermore, the event included dedications in solar energy, drinking water, healthcare, infrastructure, and national highways, amounting to thousands of crores. The Prime Minister also flagged off three new railway services in Rajasthan and announced power projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore across states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Modi’s Address: Vision for Clean Energy and National Development
Addressing a large public gathering at the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative role of electricity in modern development. He stated that in the current era of technology and industry, progress is fueled by reliable power, which brings light, speed, connectivity, and global access. For rapid advancement in the 21st century, nations must scale up electricity generation, with the most successful ones leading in clean energy.
Modi described how the government is converting the clean energy mission into a people’s movement, encouraging widespread participation. He contrasted this with previous administrations, noting that while they neglected the power sector, the last decade has seen unprecedented efforts in expanding generation capacity.
The Prime Minister also touched on recent GST reforms, explaining how they have made everyday essentials cheaper, thereby reducing household expenses. He criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation about GST, asserting that these changes benefit every societal section and lead to significant family savings.
Reiterating the call for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), Modi urged citizens to buy and promote Swadeshi products—goods produced in India through the efforts of its people. He framed embracing Swadeshi as a matter of national pride.
Focusing on Rajasthan’s role, the Prime Minister called the event a historic moment, inaugurating a new chapter in India’s energy sector. He pointed out that power projects are being launched simultaneously across regions, symbolizing India’s advancement at the “speed of electricity,” with every area contributing.
Modi emphasized the progression from solar to nuclear power, underscoring electricity’s critical role in development. He highlighted the government’s dedication to tribal welfare, accusing the Congress party of historically neglecting tribal communities. In contrast, he said the BJP has worked consistently for their dignity, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Impact on Employment, Economy, and Environment
The combined projects, including MBRAPP, are designed to bolster Rajasthan’s economy through job creation and infrastructure development. NTPC’s entry into nuclear power via this joint venture signifies a strategic diversification, enhancing India’s energy mix with clean sources.
Environmentally, these initiatives align with global sustainability goals. The solar projects’ CO2 reductions and water conservation measures demonstrate a holistic approach to green energy. Nuclear power, as a low-carbon base load source, complements renewables by providing stable output, essential for grid reliability.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Energy Independence
The launch of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project represents a bold stride in India’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and clean power dominance. By integrating nuclear advancements with solar and infrastructure projects, the government is laying the groundwork for inclusive growth. As India advances through its nuclear program stages, initiatives like MBRAPP will play a crucial role in meeting rising energy demands while minimizing environmental impact. This event not only celebrates technological progress but also reinforces the vision of a united, prosperous nation driven by innovation and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP)?
The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) is a nuclear power initiative located near the Mahi Dam on the River Mahi in Banswara, Rajasthan. It comprises four 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), totaling a capacity of 2,800 MW. Developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the project is part of India’s “fleet mode” initiative to build ten identical 700 MW reactors across the country.
2. What is the significance of the “fleet mode” initiative for MBRAPP?
The “fleet mode” initiative involves constructing ten 700 MW PHWRs across India with uniform design and procurement plans. This strategy ensures cost efficiencies, faster deployment, and consolidated operational expertise. Alongside MBRAPP, other projects under this initiative include Kaiga units 5 and 6 (Karnataka), Gorakhpur units 3 and 4 (Haryana), and Chutka units 1 and 2 (Madhya Pradesh), with some units already operational or under construction.
3. How will the MBRAPP impact Rajasthan’s economy and environment?
MBRAPP, with an investment of Rs 42,000 crore, will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, boosting local businesses and industries in Rajasthan. It will supply clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, supporting economic growth. Environmentally, the project aligns with India’s sustainability goals by providing low-carbon base load energy, complementing renewable sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
4. How does MBRAPP fit into India’s broader nuclear power strategy?
MBRAPP is part of India’s three-stage Nuclear Power Programme (NPP). Currently in the first stage, which uses uranium-fueled PHWRs, India aims to increase its nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW (as of January 2025) to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. The second and third stages will utilize Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) with plutonium-based fuel and thorium-based reactors, respectively, to enhance energy independence using India’s abundant thorium reserves.
5. What other projects were inaugurated alongside MBRAPP on September 25, 2025?
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth over Rs 1,22,100 crore, including solar projects worth Rs 19,210 crore (e.g., RSDCL Nokh Solar Park and Avaada Group’s solar and storage projects), power transmission projects exceeding Rs 13,180 crore, and infrastructure developments in drinking water, healthcare, highways, and railways. These initiatives, with a combined energy investment of over Rs 51,000 crore, aim to enhance Rajasthan’s infrastructure and sustainability.
