Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman AEC, visits the Tarapur site; commends NPCIL dedication to the Nuclear Energy Mission
Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) Units 1&2, commissioned in 1969, are the oldest operating commercial nuclear power reactors in the world
Indigenous technologies enable life-extension for ~10 more years; Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approves continued operation of TAPS 1&2
Tarapur reflects the India’s progress from technology acquisition to technological self-reliance for Viksit Bharat
New Delhi, June 17, 2026: Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), visited Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) today and reviewed the recently granted 10 years life-extension of the world’s oldest operating twin reactors, TAPS 1and2.
Dr. Mohanty interacted with scientists, engineers and personnel of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and commended their dedication towards ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of India’s first nuclear power station. During the visit, Dr. Mohanty inaugurated the Primary Coolant Pump Test Facility (PCPTF) in presence of Shri V. Rajesh, Chairman & Managing Director, NPCIL (Additional Charge)
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohanty said: “The continued operation of the world’s oldest running nuclear reactors TAPS Units 1 and 2 is a testimony to the dedication of generations of scientists, engineers and operators, and the maturity of our regulatory and technological capabilities. The life-extension of a decade reflects India’s transformation from technology acquisition to technological self-reliance and inspires confidence in our ability to build a sustainable and energy-independent Viksit Bharat.”
Tarapur occupies a unique place in India’s nuclear journey. Commissioned in 1969, TAPS 1&2 marked the beginning of commercial nuclear power generation in the country and established Tarapur as the first nuclear power station in Asia outside the Soviet bloc. Over the past five and a half decades, the station has played a foundational role in shaping India’s nuclear engineering capabilities, operational practices and safety culture.
Emphasising continuous innovation and safety enhancements by NPCIL, Shri Rajesh stated that “Tarapur Atomic Power Station Units 1&2 stand as a testament to India’s enduring commitment to nuclear safety and engineering excellence. Through continuous upgrades, innovation, and a strong safety culture, these units have successfully transitioned from pioneering installations to resilient assets supporting the nation’s clean energy goals.”
The recent approval by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for continued operation of TAPS 1&2 marks a significant milestone for India’s nuclear power programme. The approval follows an extensive life-extension and modernisation programme undertaken under stringent regulatory oversight and guided by a strong safety-first philosophy.
Underscoring the significance of the achievement, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhole, Site Director, Tarapur Maharashtra Site said, “The successful life-extension and modernisation of TAPS 1&2 reflect NPCIL’s technical maturity and its unwavering focus on safety. The project-mode execution with a ‘Zero Harm’ philosophy demonstrates how legacy nuclear assets can be revitalised to meet present-day regulatory and technological expectations.”
The life-extension programme involved comprehensive inspection, refurbishment, replacement and renewal of critical systems and components, deployment of advanced indigenous technologies for reactor integrity assessment, modernisation of electrical systems and implementation of measures to further enhance long-term operational reliability and safety. Over the years, TAPS 1&2 have generated more than 100 billion units of clean electricity, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy security while avoiding over 86 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
Highlighting the role of TAPS 1&2, Shri Vinay Thattey, Station Director, TAPS 1&2 said, “TAPS 1&2 have played a foundational role in shaping India’s nuclear engineering capabilities. From indigenous innovations to advanced inspection and safety enhancements, the station continues to serve as a model for ageing management and sustainable nuclear operation.”
Tarapur is more than India’s first commercial nuclear power station. It is a living symbol of our scientific vision, engineering excellence and commitment to clean energy. The approval for continued operation of TAPS 1&2 demonstrates how well-maintained nuclear assets, supported by continuous modernisation and rigorous safety oversight, can continue serving the nation safely and efficiently for decades.
The continued operation of TAPS 1&2 reinforces India’s commitment to clean energy, energy security and sustainable development while preserving the legacy of one of the nation’s most significant scientific and technological achievements.
As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, nuclear power will play an increasingly important role in delivering reliable, round-the-clock and low-carbon electricity.
PIB
