Revitalizing Tarapur: A New Era for India's First Nuclear Power Plant

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has approved the restart of Unit 2 at Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra after successful refurbishment. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited conducted an extensive overhaul to ensure safety, including replacing reactor piping and upgrading safety systems. The unit can now operate for 10 more years.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given the green light for the restart and continued operation of Unit 2 at Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), located in Maharashtra's Palghar district. This decision comes after the successful conclusion of wide-ranging refurbishment efforts.

The overhaul, carried out by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), focused on ensuring the reactor's long-term safety and efficiency. These upgrades included replacing reactor coolant recirculation piping with advanced stainless steel and introducing key safety systems like the Reactor Containment Filtered Venting System and Alternate Cooling Water System.

Rigorous inspections during the planned outage confirmed the reactor’s capability for safe operation. The AERB Board reviewed safety assessments on May 6, permitting a 10-year operational extension for Unit 2. Unit 1 underwent a similar process and was restarted in December 2025, with continuing regulatory oversight.