Dr Jitendra informs LS about North India’s first Nuclear Plant in Haryana

Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Aug 6: North India’s first Nuclear Power Plant, located in Gorakhpur, Haryana, is expected to become operational by 2031-32.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha today.
”Once completed, the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) will significantly bolster the region’s clean energy capacity, marking a strategic shift in the nuclear energy footprint which has historically been concentrated in southern and western parts of the country”, said the Minister.
In his response, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the House that the project comprises two twin units of 700 MW each and was originally approved in 2014. However, the construction timeline has been extended due to unforeseen soil-related challenges at the site. Confirmatory geo-technical investigations revealed localised weak zones in the soil strata, prompting the engagement of a specialised consultant for remediation measures. These recommendations are currently under review by the regulatory authority.
The Minister noted that while the start of construction on the main nuclear island was delayed, work on peripheral buildings and supporting infrastructure has progressed. Major equipment and key construction packages—including those for civil works, turbine systems, and nuclear piping—have already been awarded, and several components have been delivered to the site. The Government has also initiated advance procurement of long manufacturing cycle equipment and put in place mechanisms for regular monitoring and corrective action to streamline project execution.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that the delays were primarily due to technical complexities in the soil composition and affirmed that work will pick up pace once regulatory clearances are secured for the improved ground structures.
In a separate reply to another question in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared updates on the upcoming Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Financial sanction for the project was received in March 2025, followed by geotechnical and topographical surveys, which were completed by May. Offers for road and electrical works are currently under evaluation.
According to the Minister’s statement, the TLP is scheduled to be completed in four phases, with civil works to be concluded by May 2028, fluid systems and propellant storage by July 2028, launch pad facilities by September 2028, and final commissioning by March 2029. The Department of Space plans to partner with Indian private companies and MSMEs through a competitive bidding process, aligning with the Government’s Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

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