Executive Summary:
This document addresses Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 259 regarding the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant (GHAVP) in Haryana, specifically concerning project delays. Approved in 2014, the project's completion is now expected by 2031-32 due to unforeseen soil conditions. Remediation efforts are underway, and measures are being taken to expedite the remaining construction phases.
Key Points / Main Content:
Project Overview:
The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project (GHAVP) consists of two twin units: GHAVP12 (2X700 MW) and GHAVP34 (2X700 MW).
Administrative approval and financial sanction for GHAVP12 were granted in February 2014.
Current expected completion date for GHAVP12 is 2031-32.
Reasons for Delay:
Excavation began in 2018 on a soil site requiring ground improvement (GI) with compacted soil cement mix.
Confirmatory geotechnical investigations revealed localized weak zones in the soil strata.
A consultant was engaged to investigate and recommend remediation, which is currently under regulatory review.
The above process caused delays to the construction of the Nuclear Island.
Measures Taken:
Advance procurement of long manufacturing cycle equipment has been initiated; major equipment has been ordered and some delivered to the site.
Major equipment and works packages have been awarded.
Progress is being monitored at multiple levels.
Frequent meetings with vendors and contractors, and resequencing of construction activities are being conducted.
Construction in peripheral buildings/structures is in progress.
Future Actions:
Construction activities in the main nuclear island will commence in full swing after site-specific ground improvement activities are concluded and regulatory clearance is obtained.
Impact Analysis:
Government of India/Department of Atomic Energy:
Impact: Requires monitoring and management of project delays and cost escalations.
Action Required: Secure regulatory clearance for remediation efforts and oversee the completion of ground improvement activities.
Vendors/Contractors:
Impact: Must adhere to resequenced construction activities and meet revised deadlines.
Action Required: Attend meetings, adjust work schedules, and ensure timely delivery of equipment and completion of work packages.
Regulatory Authority:
Impact: Responsible for reviewing and approving remediation recommendations.
Action Required: Expedite the review process of the consultant's recommendations to minimize further delays.
Key Entities Referenced
Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant: A nuclear power plant project located in Haryana, India.
Haryana: A state in India where the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant is located.
SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA: Member of Lok Sabha who asked the starred question about the Nuclear Power Plant in Haryana.
PRIME MINISTER: The head of the government of India, to whom the question was addressed.
DR. JITENDRA SINGH: The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions and Prime Minister's Office, who answered the question on behalf of the government.
GHAVP12: One of the twin units (2X700 MW) of the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) nuclear power project.
GHAVP34: One of the twin units (2X700 MW) of the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) nuclear power project.
Nuclear Island: The central area of a nuclear power plant where the reactor and associated safety systems are housed.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 259
ANSWERED ON 06/08/2025
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN HARYANA
*259. SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the first unit of the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant in Haryana,
which was approved in 2014, is still only 74 percent complete and is expected to begin
operations only by 2028;
(b) whether the Government has assessed the reasons for this delay along with its impact on
energy capacity and cost escalation and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely completion of nuclear infrastructure;
and
(d) whether there is any accountability for missed deadlines in critical energy projects 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) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
******STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) IN RESPECT OF LOK
SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 259 FOR REPLY ON 06.08.2025 REGARDING
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN HARYANA ASKED BY SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH
HOODA
(a) The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project comprises of two twin units of 700 MW each viz. GHAVP-
1&2 (2X700 MW) and GHAVP-3&4 (2X700 MW). The Government accorded administrative
approval and financial sanction for the GHAVP-1&2 in February 2014. Presently, GHAVP-1&2
is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2031-32.
(b) Yes. Excavation activities commenced in the year 2018. The site is a soil site with no hard rock.
Therefore, technique of excavation & Ground improvement (GI) using compacted soil cement
mix was carried out. This was followed by construction of foundation piles and their
qualification.
However, confirmatory geo technical investigations indicated some localized weak zones in soil
strata. In view of this, a consultant of repute was roped in for resolution of the issue, who carried
out comprehensive investigations and submitted recommendations for remediation, which is
presently under review by the regulatory authority. The above stated process took significant
time, leading to delay in start of construction of the Nuclear Island.
However, award of work for equipment, major EPC packages and construction of other main
plant building progressed.
(c) In order to streamline the project activities, advance procurement of long manufacturing cycle
equipment have been initiated. Accordingly major equipment have been ordered, some of which
have also been received at site. All major equipment and works packages like Main Plant Civil
Works, Nuclear Piping, Turbine Island, IDCT etc. have been awarded and works are in progress.
Constant monitoring of progress of project activities at multiple levels, timely identification of
constraints & making necessary mid-course corrections, frequent meetings with vendors /
contractors and re-sequencing of construction activities to the extent possible, have also been
taken.
(d) While work is in progress in the peripheral buildings/structures, the construction activities in the
main nuclear island would be taken up in full swing once site specific ground improvement
activities are concluded and regulatory clearance is obtained. The delay has been primarily due
to surprises in the soil conditions encountered during construction.
******