Infrastructure
PM Modi To Launch Multiple Energy Projects From Rajasthan, Including Rs 42,000 Crore Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project
Two Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) under construction at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, India. (Representative image) (Petr Pavlicek/IAEA)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate energy projects worth more than Rs 90,000 crore during his visit to Rajasthan on Wednesday (25 September).
The initiatives include a large nuclear power facility, multiple solar parks, transmission networks, and solarisation schemes for farmers.
Rs 42,000 Crore Nuclear Power Plant at Mahi Banswara
At the centre of the initiatives is the foundation laying of Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, valued at about Rs 42,000 crore.
The facility, being developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI), will consist of four indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors designed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
Once operational, the plant will be among the largest nuclear projects in India, adding reliable base load capacity to the national grid.
It forms part of the country’s “fleet mode” programme, under which ten reactors of identical design are being constructed at different sites to reduce costs, accelerate construction, and standardise operations.
Solar Projects Across Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of solar projects worth about Rs 19,210 crore.
These include projects in Phalodi, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sikar and Bikaner in Rajasthan.
The projects will significantly expand India’s renewable energy capacity and help cut millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Transmission Network Under REZ Initiative
To support renewable energy evacuation, three transmission projects with a combined value of over Rs 13,180 crore will be launched under the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) initiative.
The government aims to develop 181.5 GW of renewable power capacity across eight states by 2030.
A 765 KV line from Beawar (Rajasthan) to Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), with expansion of related substations.
A 765 KV line from Sirohi (Rajasthan) to Mandsaur and Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh), with augmentation at all three substations.
765 KV and 400 KV lines from Bikaner (Rajasthan) to Siwani and Fatehabad (Haryana), extending to Patran (Punjab), along with new substations at Bikaner and Siwani.
Together, these projects are expected to enable the transfer of 15.5 GW of renewable power from Rajasthan to demand centres in other states.
Regional Grid Strengthening
PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for three grid substations (220 KV) at Jaisalmer and Bikaner, and inaugurate another substation at Shiv in Barmer district. These projects, worth around Rs 490 crore, aim to improve grid reliability and energy security in western Rajasthan.
PM-KUSUM: Solarisation for Farmers
Another major component of the day’s programme will be the launch of feeder-level solarisation projects of 3,517 MW capacity, costing over ₹16,050 crore, under the PM-KUSUM scheme (Component C).
The projects, spread across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, will solarise agricultural electricity feeders to provide cheaper and more reliable irrigation power.
The scheme is expected to reduce electricity costs for farmers, cut irrigation expenses, and increase rural energy independence.
