GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-475
ANSWERED ON 03/12/2025
DELAY IN COMMISSIONING NUCLEAR PLANTS
475. SHRI UMMEDA RAM BENIWAL
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has noticed delays in commissioning new nuclear plants;
(b) if so, the details thereof along the number of projects pending; and
(c) whether the...
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-475 ANSWERED ON 03/12/2025 DELAY IN COMMISSIONING NUCLEAR PLANTS
475. SHRI UMMEDA RAM BENIWAL
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has noticed delays in commissioning new nuclear plants;
(b) if so, the details thereof along the number of projects pending; and
(c) whether the escalating cost has burdened the public exchequer and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) & (b) The completion/ commissioning of Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, RAPP-8 (700 MW) is delayed mainly due to extensive design reviews and incorporation of new upgrades as a result of thorough analysis of the Fukushima accident in Japan. Another project, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, KKNPP-3&4 (2 X 1000 MW) has been delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and non-availability of rock products due to stoppage of quarry operations by district administration. In addition, financial crunch of contractors and impact of Covid 19 pandemic also contributed to delays in project execution.
The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu being commissioned by BHAVINI has encountered delays in construction and commissioning phase which were inherent to its first of a kind status. These technological challenges leading to delay were overcome successfully in a systematic manner. Currently, fuel loading towards first criticality is in progress. The physical progress of the project is
97.90%
(c) These projects have been implemented by DAE’s PSUs viz., NPCIL & BHAVINI by way of infusion of Government of India Equity investment / Loan to these PSUs which earn interest/dividend to Government of India. Therefore, it cannot be treated as burden to public exchequer.
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