India is preparing to invite bids for the construction of a 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) within the next three to six months. The project is part of India’s nuclear energy expansion and clean energy transition. Foreign companies can participate in the bidding only through partnerships with Indian firms. The reactor design will be standardised, with the first unit serving as a model for future reactors.
BSMR-200 Design and Development
The BSMR-200 is jointly developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). The estimated cost for development and construction is approximately Rs 5,960 crore, funded under the Nuclear Energy Mission. Construction is expected to take between 60 and 72 months after approvals. The approved cost is about Rs 30 crore per megawatt for this pilot project.
Policy and Regulatory Framework
The nuclear sector has been opened to private investment following the enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act in December 2025. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs will make the final decision on the proposal. Domestic firms capable of executing the project on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) basis have been identified.
India’s Nuclear Energy Goals
The Union Budget allocated Rs 20,000 crore to develop at least five indigenously designed small modular reactors by 2033 under the Nuclear Energy Mission. India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Recently, India’s prototype fast breeder reactor reached criticality, marking a milestone in the nuclear programme.
Last Modified: April 19, 2026