India will fast-track the expansion of its nuclear energy programme and triple installed capacity by 2031–32, junior atomic energy minister Jitendra Singh told parliament on Wednesday, as the government pushes nuclear power as a core pillar of its long-term energy transition.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said India’s installed nuclear capacity has risen to 8,780 megawatts from 4,780 MW in 2014 and will reach 22,380 MW by 2031–32. He said the government has set further targets of 47 gigawatts by 2037, 67 GW by 2042 and 100 GW by 2047, backed by policy reforms, private sector participation and duty exemptions on nuclear plant equipment imports until 2035.
Singh said geopolitical developments will not disrupt ongoing nuclear projects, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. He said Units 3 and 4 will be completed by 2026–27, while Units 5 and 6 will be commissioned by 2030, adding that there is no risk of delays or cost escalation despite recent global political shifts, including changes in India–U.S. relations.
He said the Kudankulam project, conceived in 1988 and launched in 2002, saw its first unit become operational in December 2014. The commissioning of the first two units over the past decade demonstrated disciplined implementation and adherence to timelines, he added.
Addressing lawmakers’ questions on fuel security, Singh said India is no longer solely dependent on external uranium supplies. He said nuclear capacity has more than doubled since 2014 and policy measures now focus on strengthening domestic capability alongside international cooperation.
Singh also said talks are progressing on the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, which envisages six reactors of 1,600 MW each. He said the technical framework for the project is ready, while commercial issues remain under discussion with relevant ministries, with national interest guiding negotiations.
On community welfare, Singh said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited carries out corporate social responsibility and rehabilitation initiatives in areas surrounding all nuclear facilities. He said the company spent ₹168 crore on CSR projects in the current financial year, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education and skill development. He said project-specific figures for Kudankulam over the past four years will be provided separately.
Singh said electricity from nuclear plants will continue to be allocated under the Gadgil formula, with 50% supplied to the host state, 35% to neighbouring states and 15% to the central grid, ensuring balanced regional distribution.
Responding to safety concerns, Singh reiterated that India’s nuclear programme follows a “safety first, production next” doctrine. He rejected allegations of centralised spent fuel storage at Kudankulam, saying each reactor manages its own fuel cycle based on scientific protocols.
Singh said the government has set clear timelines for nuclear expansion and is implementing them in a structured and disciplined manner, positioning nuclear energy as a key component of India’s long-term energy security and climate goals.
