NPCIL Expands Nuclear Fleet in Rajasthan
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has commenced crucial geotechnical investigations for the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-9&10) site. Located in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, these two new reactors are designed to each generate 700 MWe of power, marking a significant step in India's nuclear energy program.
This early-stage comprehensive site assessment is vital for establishing the technical baseline for all future civil and foundation engineering. It supports India's strategic goal of creating a standardized reactor fleet, enabling more efficient replication and deployment of nuclear power at various locations across the country.
RAPP-8 Nears Commercial Operation
In parallel with the new project groundwork, NPCIL has also started initial fuel loading at RAPP-8, another 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) situated at the Rawatbhata complex. This reactor is anticipated to begin commercial operation within the current financial year, further boosting India's indigenous nuclear power capacity.
RAPP-8 is the fourth reactor in a series of 16 domestically developed 700 MWe PHWRs being established nationwide. The first two reactors in this series, KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 at Kakrapar, Gujarat, became commercially operational in 2023-24, followed by RAPP-7 in April 2025. These reactors incorporate advanced safety features, demonstrating India's self-reliance in nuclear technology.
Advancing India's Nuclear Energy Goals
Specialized teams are conducting detailed geotechnical surveys for RAPP-9&10, involving borehole drilling, geophysical surveys, and rigorous laboratory testing. This work will meticulously evaluate the site's soil and rock strata, providing essential engineering data to ensure the structural stability, safety, and operational reliability of the future civil structures.
NPCIL continues to advance India's nuclear power program with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and reliability. These systematic site assessments, combined with sound engineering practices and rigorous technical evaluations at every stage, pave the way for the next phase of India's ambitious nuclear energy expansion.