RVNL in talks with Russia's Rosatom to build nuclear reactors for its 4 big railway projects
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) of the Ministry of Railways, is in discussion with Russia's state-owned atomic energy company Rosatom to build Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to fulfill the energy requirements of its four ongoing mega projects, including the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line.
A senior RVNL official said that a meeting was held on Thursday with the Russian company in this regard. He further said that push towards nuclear energy is part of this year's Budget announcement to develop SMRs to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and Indian Railways' target to achieve net-zero by 2030.
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit and require less area for installation. The official said SMRs are also part of RVNL's plan to expand its interest and work in the energy sector.
'The process is very much at preliminary stage. We held a detailed meeting with Rosatom on Thursday. Some senior officials from the Russian Embassy were also present in the meeting. They have put up a proposal to build nuclear reactor of 55 MW. We have asked them to provide cost analysis in comparison to existing system of electricity supply for Railway traction. Rosatom will also submit logistical details, timeline, etc. The Russian company is among the leaders for SMRs. Because of this, RVNL initiated the dialogue with Rosatom,' said the official quoted above.
The official added that a total of four projects has been identified for electricity supply by SMRs.
'If everything works out, we have decided to build SMRs for the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line, Bhanupali-Bilaspur railway line, Yavatmal-Nanded railway line and Indore-Budni Railway line. Under the existing system, we have to build many substations and lay transmission lines for the operation of trains. It involves a significant expenditure per project. If the SMRs will be built for this purpose, the preliminary analysis shows that it will save cost and provide green energy,' said the official.
Rosatom has proposed to build a total of eight SMRs of 55 MW each for these four Railway project.
'These four projects have been identified on the basis that they are new line project and comparatively larger projects. Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line is of strategic importance. It will take an area of 15 acres for a single reactor, which is much less than the larger nuclear reactor. Also it will not have any impact in the area which falls in seismic zone such as Rishikesh project,' said the official.
Union Budget 2025-26 launched a Nuclear Energy Mission, which is focused on research and development (R&D) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government has allocated Rs. 20,000 crore for this initiative, aiming to develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033. The government has set an ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, positioning nuclear energy as a major pillar in India's energy mix.
Indian Railways have also shown interest in Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)'s bid to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), which is 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a proven safety and performance record.
Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
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