Union Minister Manohar Lal Visits GHAVP, Reviews Strategic Nuclear Progress
Union Minister for Power, Shri Manohar Lal, visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) on June 14, 2025, to assess progress on India’s flagship nuclear power project. Developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), this project is being executed under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The GHAVP project comprises four state-of-the-art 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Upon completion, the total capacity will reach 2800 MW. Notably, 50% of this power will be allocated to Haryana, significantly enhancing the state’s energy security.
Project Timeline and Unit Status
The project has achieved multiple technical milestones and is progressing as per schedule:
- Unit-1:
- First Pour of Concrete: Targeted by October 2025
- First Criticality: Scheduled for June 2030
- Commercial Operation: Expected by March 2031
- Unit-2: Development will follow with a six-month gap post Unit-1.
These reactors will play a vital role in India’s push for clean and safe base-load energy.
Community Development Through CSR
During his visit, Shri Manohar Lal was briefed on the wide-ranging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts led by NPCIL in surrounding communities. An investment of over ₹75 crore has gone into impactful initiatives, such as:
- Building and upgrading rural roads
- Establishing schools and classrooms
- Deploying mobile medical vans for healthcare access
- Creating a state-of-the-art Astro Turf Hockey Ground
- Supporting skill development programs
NPCIL has also conducted awareness programs in schools, NCC camps, and among aspiring civil servants to spread accurate knowledge about nuclear energy and safety.
“Atom on Wheels” Makes Nuclear Knowledge Mobile
One of the most innovative outreach efforts is the “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van. This traveling exhibit educates the public on nuclear technology, safety protocols, and India’s energy future. It serves as a dynamic tool for demystifying nuclear energy among rural and urban communities alike.
Clean, Reliable Energy for the Future
Minister Manohar Lal commended NPCIL for their diligence and community engagement. He emphasized the critical role nuclear energy plays in meeting India’s climate goals. With projects like GHAVP, India is steadily moving toward a cleaner, reliable, and more secure energy future.