Surat MP Seeks Atomic Energy Act Reform for Faster Nuclear Expansion

Kakrapar, Gujarat – A significant meeting of the Consultative Committee for the Union Ministry of Power was held at the Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant under the chairmanship of Union Power Minister and Committee Chairman Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting focused on India’s long-term power generation strategy in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

Surat Lok Sabha MP Mukesh Dalal played a key role in the discussions, presenting a strong case for urgent reforms in India’s nuclear energy framework. He emphasized that to support the ambitious economic growth targets, India would require 4,562 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity by 2047 — nearly triple the current demand. He stressed that the nuclear power sector must expand significantly and rapidly to contribute to this goal.

Dalal urged the Union Ministry to consider amending the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, which he described as outdated and a major hurdle in the sector’s growth. “The provisions in the current law are not aligned with the modern-day energy needs and technological advancements. It is essential to bring the legislation in tune with today’s realities,” he stated.

Highlighting inefficiencies in the project execution timelines, he pointed out that nuclear plants currently take around 13 years from planning to commissioning. Dalal recommended structural reforms that would accelerate inter-departmental approvals and construction procedures, enabling quicker delivery of nuclear projects.

At present, the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is operating four reactors with a combined capacity of 1,840 MW. Dalal recommended enhancing the capacity of existing units and conducting feasibility studies for setting up additional nuclear reactors at the Kakrapar site itself. He emphasized that such expansions would not only increase power availability but also boost industrial growth and job creation in Gujarat.

He further proposed that a comprehensive water and land survey be conducted across Gujarat’s 1,600 km-long coastline and particularly in the Narmada coastal belt, which has adequate water resources. This would help identify suitable sites for future nuclear power plants, leveraging Gujarat’s development-friendly governance and infrastructure readiness.

“The need of the hour is a proactive approach to nuclear energy development. Gujarat, with its industrial base and infrastructure, is well-positioned to lead this transformation,” Dalal concluded.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar acknowledged the suggestions and assured the committee that the recommendations would be reviewed seriously by the central government.