Manohar Lal Reviews Gorakhpur Nuclear Project

Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power, visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) today to assess the ongoing development of the nuclear power project being spearheaded by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), under the Department of Atomic Energy. The project is poised to significantly transform the energy landscape of Haryana and contribute to India’s clean energy ambitions.

The GHAVP project entails the establishment of four state-of-the-art 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), marking a major step forward in India’s nuclear power generation capacity. Upon completion, the project will ensure that 50% of the electricity generated is allocated to Haryana, substantially enhancing the state’s energy security and supporting its growing demand.

Project Milestones and Timeline

During the visit, detailed briefings were provided on the current status and future timeline of the GHAVP units:

• Unit-1:
  • First Pour of Concrete: Targeted by October 2025
  • First Criticality: Expected by June 2030
  • Commercial Operation: Anticipated by March 2031
• Unit-2:
  • Scheduled to follow with a six-month lag behind Unit-1, ensuring a phased and systematic expansion of capacity.

These timelines highlight the long-term planning and rigorous execution required for nuclear projects, which involve complex regulatory, engineering, and safety protocols.

CSR and Community Engagement

In addition to the technical progress, Shri Manohar Lal was briefed on NPCIL’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs designed to uplift the local community. NPCIL has spent approximately ₹75 crore on developmental initiatives, which include:

• Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads and schools
• Healthcare Access: Deployment of medical vans to serve rural populations
• Sports Promotion: Development of an Astro Turf Hockey Ground to encourage sports and youth engagement
• Skill Development: Vocational training programs aimed at improving employability
• Educational Outreach: Awareness campaigns in schools, NCC camps, and civil service training programs

A key highlight was the “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van, an interactive outreach initiative designed to educate the public—particularly students and young professionals—about nuclear science, safety protocols, and the role of nuclear energy in a sustainable future.

Vision for Clean Energy

Commending NPCIL’s efforts, Shri Manohar Lal reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to clean, safe, and reliable energy sources. He emphasized that nuclear power must play a vital role in achieving India’s environmental goals and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability standards.

He also lauded NPCIL’s integrated approach in balancing infrastructure development with community welfare and public education. “The Gorakhpur project is not just a power plant; it is a beacon of progress and responsibility. It will energize not only our grids but also the lives of people in Haryana,” he remarked.

Looking Ahead

With nuclear energy increasingly viewed as a pivotal solution to meet the dual challenges of energy demand and climate change, the GHAVP represents a significant investment in India’s energy future. As construction progresses and community engagement continues, the project stands as a model of collaborative development between government, industry, and the public.