Patna: Bihar is set to get its first nuclear power plant, with the Centre granting approval for the ambitious project to be developed in Shambhuganj area of Banka district. The plant is expected to play a major role in strengthening the state’s future energy security and meeting rising electricity demand.
The responsibility for developing the project has been assigned to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The agency is expected to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within the next five months, while the foundation stone for the project is likely to be laid in November this year.
In the initial phase, the plant will have two units of 700 MW each. Officials said the capacity could be expanded further in the future depending on demand and infrastructure requirements.
A major aspect of the project will be the arrangement of water required for cooling the nuclear reactors. For this, water from the Ganga river will be transported from Bhagalpur to Banka through a dedicated pipeline stretching around 35 to 50 kilometres. A large reservoir will also be constructed near the plant to store rainwater during the monsoon season.
Officials said that during summer, when water levels decline, additional water will be lifted from the Ganga and supplied to the reservoir to ensure uninterrupted cooling operations at the plant. The proposed pipeline from Bhagalpur will be exclusively dedicated to the nuclear facility.
The project comes at a time when Bihar’s electricity demand is rising rapidly. According to official estimates, the state’s peak power demand, which was 8,005 MW in 2024, increased to 8,700 MW in 2025 and is expected to touch 10,000 MW this year.
At present, Bihar relies heavily on coal-based thermal power for electricity generation. Officials believe the nuclear power plant will help reduce dependence on conventional thermal energy and provide a stable source of clean electricity for future industrial growth.
The project also marks Bihar’s entry into the clean energy sector. Experts say the nuclear plant could significantly reduce carbon emissions while ensuring round-the-clock power supply for industries and urban expansion.
According to officials, NPCIL surveys identified Shambhuganj and Bhitariya in Banka district as the most suitable locations for the project. The region reportedly has rocky terrain, low population density and falls under Seismic Zone-3, making it technically favourable for such infrastructure.
The proximity of Banka to Bhagalpur was another key factor, as it makes the transportation of Ganga water through pipelines more feasible.
Several high-level meetings have already been held regarding the project. On June 24, 2025, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reportedly gave in-principle approval for the nuclear power plant. Later, on February 20, 2026, an important meeting chaired by Energy Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh was held, attended by officials from NPCIL, NTPC and the Water Resources Department.
Officials described the project as a major step toward Bihar’s long-term energy security and industrial development. They said the nuclear power plant could emerge as a game-changer for the state by ensuring reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the coming decades.
