The First Nuclear Plant was Built in India at

Correct Answer: a. Tarapur

India’s journey into nuclear energy started with the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), which holds the title of the first nuclear power plant in the country. Located in Maharashtra, this plant marked a big step in India’s efforts to become energy independent.

Where is the Tarapur Nuclear Plant Located?

The Tarapur Atomic Power Station is located in Tarapur, a town in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, on the western coast of India. It’s about 120 kilometers from Mumbai and was chosen due to its safe coastal location and accessibility.

Built with the help of the United States under the Atoms for Peace program, the plant was a major step forward for India’s nuclear ambitions. It officially started operating in 1969, making it the first operational nuclear power station in the country.

Why Was Tarapur the First Nuclear Power Station in India?

Back in the 1960s, India was looking for sustainable and long-term solutions for its growing energy needs. Fossil fuels were limited, and hydropower had its geographical challenges. That’s when nuclear energy emerged as a powerful option.

The Indian government signed a deal with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, and construction for Tarapur began. It became a symbol of Indo-US cooperation and a milestone in India’s scientific and energy journey. With two boiling water reactors, Tarapur became the first plant to produce electricity through nuclear fission.

How Does the Tarapur Nuclear Plant Work?

Tarapur uses a process called nuclear fission, where the nuclei of atoms (mainly uranium or plutonium) split and release a huge amount of energy. This energy is then used to boil water, create steam, and turn turbines that generate electricity.

Originally, Tarapur had two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) supplied by General Electric. Later, two Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) were added to increase capacity. Today, the plant continues to be a vital part of India’s nuclear power infrastructure.

Quick Facts

• Location: Palghar, Maharashtra
• Commissioned: 1969
• Significance: First nuclear power plant in India
• Operated By: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
• Type of Reactor: Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) and Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)

What is the Significance of Tarapur in India’s Energy Sector?

Tarapur is not just a power plant—it’s a symbol of India’s self-reliance in nuclear technology. It paved the way for many other nuclear plants, like Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), Kaiga (Karnataka), and RAPS (Rajasthan).

Tarapur taught Indian scientists how to run, maintain, and expand nuclear technology. It helped in the formation of organizations like the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and played a key role in India’s peaceful nuclear program. Today, India is among the top nations using nuclear energy to support its growing electricity needs.

Summary

Question: The First Nuclear Plant was Built in India at _____.
Answer: The First Nuclear Plant was Built in India at Tarapur.
Tarapur is where India’s nuclear power story began. It may look like just another name in your textbook, but it’s actually a key part of India’s technological and energy journey.

Also Read:
The Name of Cyclone “Tauk tae” has been Given by the Country
How many Times has India Won Gold in Men’s Hockey at the Olympics
Who Discovered the Solar System?
The Difference in Time Between Kolkata and London is
Navroz Celebration is Associated with
The Highest Mountain Peak in India is ____
The World’s Highest Rainfall occurs in