“New Nuclear Facility in Kota announced to be completed soon
A new Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) in Rawatbhata, Kota, Rajasthan, is nearing completion and is expected to be operational soon, according to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. The minister provided this update in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Dr. Singh detailed that the Rawatbhata NFC facility will house both a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Fuel Fabrication Facility (PFFF) and a Zircaloy Fabrication Facility (ZFF). This new setup aims to produce 500 TPY of fuel tubes with a project outlay of ₹4,256.20 crore. Located in Chittorgarh district, about 50 km from Kota, the facility is in its advanced stages of development.
Dr. Singh assured that there are no safety issues with the operation of nuclear power plants in the country. He emphasized that these plants are run by highly trained personnel licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), following stringent procedures that are regularly reviewed and updated.
To safeguard the health of those living near these nuclear facilities, extensive epidemiological surveys have been conducted. Health assessments for employees and their families, carried out by reputable local medical colleges, are analyzed by Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. The findings confirm that the operation of nuclear power plants does not adversely affect nearby populations.
Dr. Singh highlighted the nation’s commitment to expanding its nuclear capabilities, noting that nine nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 7,300 MW are currently under construction. Additionally, plans are underway for 12 more reactors, reflecting a robust strategy for nuclear power expansion.
