Gorakhpur nuclear power plant faces further delays, 2032 is new deadline

The Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojna (GHAVP) in Fatehabad, Haryana, has encountered significant delays, with the completion of its first phase now postponed to 2032. Originally slated for completion in 2025, the deadline was revised to 2028 in 2022. Now, the government has announced another four-year delay, pushing the completion timeline further. The revised schedule was disclosed in response to a query raised by Sirsa MP Kumari Selja during the ongoing Parliament session.

Once operational, the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to play a critical role in India’s clean energy strategy, generating 2,800 MW of electricity. The project is divided into two phases: GHAVP 1 & 2 (2×700 MW) and GHAVP 3 & 4 (2×700 MW). Construction of GHAVP 1 & 2 is underway, with key contracts awarded for essential components, including the Main Plant Civil, Nuclear Island, and Turbine Island. Equipment with long delivery timelines has also started arriving on site. Meanwhile, pre-project activities for GHAVP 3 & 4, such as geotechnical investigations, have been completed.

The first phase of the project is now expected to be operational by 2031, while the second phase will follow by 2032. “The timely completion of this project is essential for both local development and the nation’s energy goals,” stressed Selja.

The project has a total estimated budget of Rs 41,594 crore. Phase 1 (GHAVP 1 & 2) has been allocated Rs 20,594 crore, with Rs 7,161 crore spent as of September 2024. Phase 2 (GHAVP 3 & 4) has a sanctioned budget of Rs 21,000 crore, of which Rs 201 crore has been utilised so far.

The plant, once completed, is projected to significantly contribute to the country’s power generation capacity, providing clean and sustainable energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The foundation stone for the project was laid in January 2014 by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Land acquisition for the project — spanning 1,503 acres across Gorakhpur, Kajal Heri and Badopal villages — was completed in 2012, but construction only began in 2018. The project has faced multiple challenges since its inception, including logistical delays and regulatory hurdles.

Despite these setbacks, the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant is considered a cornerstone of India’s nuclear energy infrastructure. It holds strategic importance for meeting the country’s growing energy demands while supporting its commitment to environmental sustainability.