MAINS Current Affairs includes India’s Nuclear Programme & 10 Years of UDAN Scheme

Energy Sector

1. India’s Nuclear Programme

Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed that India’s nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purposes rather than warfare, reiterating the vision that has guided the country’s nuclear development since its inception.

• He emphasised that nuclear energy will assume an increasingly important role in meeting India’s future energy requirements.

Status of Nuclear Power in India

• Installed Capacity: India has 25 active nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 7 gigawatt-electric (GWe). These reactors generated 56,681 million units of electricity in 2024–25.
• Contribution to Electricity Generation: Nuclear power has consistently contributed approximately 3% of India’s total electricity production.
• Planned Capacity Expansion: India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity substantially over the coming years.
  • Indigenous 700 MW reactors and 1,000 MW reactors are being developed alongside international cooperation.
  • Installed nuclear capacity is expected to reach 38 GW by 2031–32.
• International Cooperation: India has signed Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) for peaceful civil nuclear cooperation with 18 countries, reflecting the expansion of its international nuclear partnerships.
• Reactors Under Construction:
  • 10 reactors, with a combined capacity of approximately 8 GWe, are under construction.
  • Another 10 units, with a total capacity of around 6 GWe, are at the pre-project stage.

Need to Increase Nuclear Capacity

1. Meeting Future Energy Demand

• India plans to expand nuclear power capacity from the currently cited 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031–32, with a longer-term target of 100 GW by 2047.
• Electricity demand is expected to increase four to five times by 2047, necessitating a reliable and diversified energy supply.
• Nuclear power can complement renewable energy sources by providing dependable base-load electricity, supporting grid stability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Achieving Climate Commitments

• India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 44% by 2030, compared with the 2005 level, as stated in the source.
• It also targets 50% of cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• Expanding nuclear energy can support these objectives by increasing low-carbon electricity generation and helping reduce emissions from the power sector.

3. Strengthening Energy Security

• Greater nuclear capacity can diversify India’s energy mix and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• Nuclear power can provide a stable source of electricity to meet rising industrial, commercial and household demand.

India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme

Historical Evolution

• Atomic Energy Commission (1948): India’s nuclear journey began shortly after Independence with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission.
• Apsara Research Reactor (1956): Asia’s first research reactor, Apsara, was commissioned at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay.
• Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant (1969): India became the second Asian country, after Japan, to establish a nuclear power plant, at Tarapur.
• Three-Stage Strategy: Homi Jehangir Bhabha, regarded as the father of India’s nuclear programme, envisioned a three-stage nuclear energy strategy to utilise domestic uranium resources and eventually exploit India’s substantial thorium reserves.

First Stage: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)

• Primary objective: Establish a fleet of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors to generate electricity and produce plutonium for the subsequent stage.
• Fuel: Natural uranium, consisting predominantly of uranium-238 (U-238), with a small proportion of uranium-235 (U-235).
• Moderator and coolant: Heavy water, or deuterium oxide (D₂O), is used as both the moderator and coolant.
• Role of plutonium-239: During reactor operation, uranium-238 absorbs neutrons and can be converted into plutonium-239 (Pu-239).
• Significance: The plutonium produced provides an important source of fissile material for the second stage of the programme.

Second Stage: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)

• Operating principle: Fast Breeder Reactors operate using a fast-neutron spectrum and are designed to produce more fissile material than they consume.
• Fuel: Plutonium-239 obtained from the first stage is used alongside uranium-238 in the breeder fuel cycle.
• Fissile material production: The process generates additional plutonium-239 and can convert thorium-232 into uranium-233 through the relevant breeding and fuel-cycle processes.
• Role of uranium-233: U-233 is a fissile material that can be used as nuclear fuel.
• Significance: This stage helps expand the available fissile fuel inventory and prepares the foundation for greater utilisation of thorium in the final stage.

Third Stage: Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) and Thorium Utilisation

• Primary objective: Harness India’s substantial thorium resources to support long-term nuclear energy generation.
• Fuel cycle: Thorium-232 (Th-232) is converted into uranium-233, which can subsequently be used as fissile fuel. Plutonium-239 can also play a role in initiating or supporting the fuel cycle.
• Significance: Thorium utilisation could help reduce the constraints imposed by limited domestic uranium resources and support the long-term sustainability of India’s nuclear programme.
• Long-term vision: Develop a nuclear energy system that progressively makes greater use of India’s thorium reserves.

Challenges Facing India’s Nuclear Programme

1. Limited Domestic Experience with Light Water Reactors

• India’s nuclear programme has historically relied primarily on Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors and the development of Fast Breeder Reactors.
• This has resulted in comparatively limited domestic experience in the design and operation of Light Water Reactors (LWRs).
• Expanding into additional reactor technologies may therefore require greater technical expertise, specialised infrastructure, international cooperation and domestic research capabilities.

Government Initiatives

1. Nuclear Energy Mission and Capacity Targets

• The government has launched a Nuclear Energy Mission with the objective of expanding nuclear power capacity to approximately 100 GW by 2047.
• The mission emphasises strengthening domestic capabilities, advancing nuclear technologies and supporting long-term capacity expansion.

2. Indigenous Reactor Development

• Indigenous reactor technologies, including Bharat Small Reactors, are being developed to enable more scalable deployment of nuclear power.
• These technologies, including PHWR-based and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) variants, can contribute to a broader domestic nuclear innovation ecosystem.

3. Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme

• India continues to pursue its long-term strategy for utilising domestic thorium resources through:
  • PHWRs in the first stage.
  • Fast Breeder Reactors in the second stage.
  • Thorium-based reactors in the third stage.
• This strategy seeks to strengthen fuel security and improve the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy generation.

4. SHANTI Act, 2025

• The SHANTI Act, 2025, is intended to facilitate nuclear capacity expansion, support advanced reactor technologies and enable wider participation in nuclear power generation.

5. Research and Development Funding

• The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated approximately ₹20,000 crore for research and development in advanced nuclear technologies, as stated in the source.
• Such funding is intended to support technological innovation, indigenous reactor development and the strengthening of domestic research capabilities.

6. International Cooperation and Technology Access

• India is pursuing international partnerships and technology-transfer arrangements to address technological gaps and build expertise in reactor design, operation and advanced nuclear systems.
• International cooperation can complement domestic research while supporting the development of indigenous capabilities.

Way Ahead

1. Develop Indigenous Small Modular Reactors

• India is pursuing an indigenous small-reactor programme, with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre developing three reactor designs for demonstration:
  • Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200): A 200 MWe reactor.
  • Small Modular Reactor (SMR): A 55 MWe reactor.
  • High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor: A 5 MWt reactor intended for hydrogen production.
• The government has set a target of having at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033.
• These reactors could support smaller-scale nuclear projects and broaden the range of applications for nuclear energy.

2. Repurpose Existing Thermal Power Plant Sites

• The government is examining the possibility of converting old thermal power plant sites for nuclear power projects.
• Existing sites may offer useful infrastructure and established power-sector connections, subject to technical and regulatory suitability.
• Repurposed locations may ultimately be more appropriate for SMRs and smaller-capacity nuclear projects than for large conventional reactors.

3. Advance the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

• The indigenously designed and constructed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved its first criticality in April 2026.
• First criticality marks the initiation of a sustained nuclear chain reaction.
• According to the source, this milestone marked India’s entry into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme.
• Once fully operational, the PFBR is expected to strengthen India’s fast breeder reactor capabilities. The source states that India would become only the second country, after Russia, to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.

Conclusion

India’s nuclear programme is central to its long-term energy security, low-carbon development and technological self-reliance. Achieving the 100 GW target by 2047 will require sustained investment in indigenous reactor technologies, advanced research, skilled manpower, international cooperation and effective implementation of the three-stage nuclear strategy. Strengthening these capabilities can help India meet rising electricity demand while progressively expanding reliable, low-carbon power generation.

Economy

2. 10 Years of UDAN Scheme

Context: The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN has completed ten years, marking a significant expansion of India’s regional aviation network.

• The scheme has focused on connecting unserved and underserved areas, improving access to air travel and integrating smaller cities with the national economy.

About the UDAN Scheme

• Launch: The Prime Minister launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN, meaning Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, in 2016.
• Policy framework: The scheme was conceptualised under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016, with a ten-year vision of connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Operational commencement: The first RCS-UDAN flight, operating between Shimla and Delhi, was inaugurated in April 2017.
• Implementation approach: The scheme follows a market-oriented model supported by financial incentives to improve the commercial viability of regional air routes.
• Key mechanism: Airlines receive concessions and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to operate on regional routes and offer air travel at more affordable fares.

Progress Under the Scheme

• Regional routes: A total of 687 regional routes have been operationalised.
• Aerodromes: 95 aerodromes have been operationalised, including 17 heliports and two water aerodromes.
• Flights operated: More than 68 lakh flights have been operated under the scheme.
• Passengers carried: The initiative has enabled approximately 72 crore passengers to travel by air.

Latest Developments: Modified UDAN Scheme

• The Union Cabinet has approved the launch and implementation of Regional Connectivity Scheme–Modified UDAN for ten years, covering FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
• The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹28,840 crore and aims to strengthen regional aviation infrastructure and sustain connectivity.

Key Components of Modified UDAN

Significance of the UDAN Scheme

1. Promoting Inclusive Growth

• UDAN has improved the integration of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with larger economic centres and national markets.
• Better air connectivity can reduce travel time, improve access to essential services and expand economic opportunities.
• Example: The journey between Vijayawada and Kadapa, which earlier required approximately 8–10 hours by road, can now be completed through a short flight.

2. Expansion of Aviation Infrastructure

• The number of operational airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to 165 by July 2026, according to the source.
• The scheme has helped bring previously unserved or underserved locations into the regional aviation network.

3. Strategic and Regional Integration

• Connectivity to the Northeast, hilly regions and islands improves their integration with the rest of the country.
• Better transport links can strengthen access to remote and border areas, facilitate movement of people and goods, and support regional development.

4. Economic Multiplier Effects

• Regional airports can stimulate tourism, facilitate the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and support the movement of perishable agricultural products.
• Improved connectivity can attract investment and create new opportunities for local businesses.

5. Growth of the Aviation Industry

• The scheme has generated demand for smaller aircraft, including ATR aircraft, along with Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
• It also supports demand for pilot training and other aviation-related skills, contributing to employment generation across the sector.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Sustainability of Regional Routes

• Several routes become commercially unviable once VGF support ends after three years.
• Low passenger load factors and insufficiently developed demand reduce airlines’ incentives to continue operations without subsidies.

2. Underutilised Airport Infrastructure

• Some airports have been developed or revived without adequate assessment of local demand.
• Parliamentary and audit reports have highlighted concerns regarding underused infrastructure and inadequate last-mile connectivity to airport terminals.

3. Fiscal Burden

• Continued dependence on government subsidies raises questions about long-term financial sustainability and prudent use of public funds.
• Infrastructure investment may generate limited returns if airports and routes fail to attract sufficient traffic.

4. Financial Fragility of Regional Airlines

• Smaller regional carriers face high Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs, variations in state-level VAT on fuel, aircraft leasing expenses and shortages of suitable aircraft.
• These structural cost pressures weaken profitability and have contributed to the exit of several operators from the market.

5. Operational and Safety Constraints

• Hilly terrain, short runways, adverse weather and limited MRO support create operational difficulties.
• These factors can increase safety-related challenges, flight cancellations and disruptions, particularly on remote regional routes.

Way Forward

1. Adopt Demand-Led Planning

• Conduct detailed assessments of passenger demand, catchment populations and economic potential before awarding routes or developing airports.
• Integrate airports with roadways, railways and local transport systems to improve last-mile connectivity and increase passenger traffic.

2. Rationalise Aviation Fuel Taxes

• Consider bringing ATF under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework or harmonising state-level VAT rates.
• More predictable and lower fuel-tax costs could improve the financial viability of regional airlines.

3. Strengthen Airline and Aviation Ecosystems

• Encourage aircraft leasing within India to reduce structural operating costs.
• Develop domestic MRO hubs and expand pilot-training capacity to strengthen the aviation ecosystem.
• Improve the availability of suitable aircraft and technical support for regional operations.

4. Gradually Transition Away from VGF Dependence

• VGF should be reduced progressively as passenger demand and route viability improve.
• Potential mechanisms include bundling commercially viable and less profitable routes, cross-subsidisation and combining regional services with established commercial routes.
• The objective should be to develop sustainable regional aviation services without compromising connectivity for remote and underserved areas.

Conclusion

The UDAN scheme has helped expand regional air connectivity, improve access to smaller cities and support the development of India’s aviation ecosystem. However, its long-term success depends on transforming infrastructure creation into reliable, affordable and commercially sustainable air services. Demand-led planning, better surface connectivity, lower structural costs and a gradual transition from subsidies to market viability will be essential to ensure that regional aviation continues to serve India’s inclusive growth objectives.

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