Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 11, India is aiming to complete the first two units of the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project (GHAVP-1&2) between 2031 and 2032, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The project includes two twin units, each with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). It received administrative approval and financial sanction in February 2014. Construction activities began after initial groundwork, including excavation in 2018, and subsequent foundation pile construction and testing.

Following these initial stages, confirmatory geotechnical investigations identified certain localised weak zones in the soil strata. Recommendations for site remediation were proposed and are currently under evaluation by the regulatory authority. This review process has extended the timeline and delayed the start of full-scale construction work on the nuclear island.

Despite this delay, progress has continued in other areas. The ministry confirmed that major equipment orders, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contracts, and construction of other essential buildings at the plant have moved forward.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy stated: “Award of work on equipment, major EPC packages and construction of other main plant buildings progressed.”

Full construction on the nuclear island is expected to begin once the necessary ground improvement work is completed and the required regulatory clearance is secured. The project remains under active development, with key infrastructure components being addressed in parallel to site-specific geological issues.

GHAVP-1&2 is part of India’s broader energy strategy, focusing on increasing the share of nuclear power in the national energy mix. The plant is located in Gorakhpur, Haryana, and is being developed with the intent to enhance stable, low-emission electricity generation capacity.

Once operational, the two units are expected to contribute significantly to the region’s power supply. The planned timeline places project completion within the early 2030s, contingent on the successful resolution of ground conditions and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals.

The government continues to monitor the project’s development, with emphasis on safety, compliance with technical standards, and timely execution.