Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a major order valued at up to $285mn from the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for works at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, World Nuclear News has reported.

The order has been awarded to L&T’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure (HCI) division and covers the mechanical package for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6. The scope of work includes the installation of Russian-designed 1000 MWe pressurised water reactors and associated turbine systems, together with the generator, condenser and sea water systems. The package also comprises polar and trestle cranes, piping, accessories, structural steelwork, painting, anti-corrosion coating, insulation, and comprehensive testing across several key buildings and structures within the site.

According to L&T’s project classification, a “significant” order is defined as one worth between INR10bn and INR25bn ($114mn–$285mn). This latest award builds on L&T’s previous engagement at Kudankulam, where in 2021 it was entrusted with the construction of main civil works for Units 5 and 6, including the reactor building, turbine hall, reactor auxiliary building, diesel generator structures and other safety-critical facilities.

Kudankulam, located around 100 kilometres from the port city of Tuticorin, is the largest nuclear power station in India. It already hosts two Russian-built VVER-1000 reactors, which entered commercial operation in 2014 and 2017, respectively. Four additional reactors are under active construction: Units 3 and 4 have been underway since 2017, while work on Units 5 and 6 commenced in 2021, according to World Nuclear News. Plans are also in place for a fourth phase, comprising Kudankulam Units 7 and 8, which would feature the more advanced AES-2006 design with VVER-1200 reactors.

The new contract underlines L&T’s expertise in delivering highly complex nuclear infrastructure, strengthening its role in India’s long-term clean energy drive. In August, the Indian government confirmed that it aims to raise installed nuclear power capacity from the current 8.8 GW to 22 GW by 2032, as part of the broader 100-GW Nuclear Energy Mission. The increase will come through a mix of ongoing projects and new builds, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clean energy agenda and India’s Net Zero commitments.

New Delhi is also moving ahead with policy changes to encourage private sector participation in nuclear energy. A flagship initiative is the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme, for which the government has extended the deadline for Request for Proposal submissions to September 30, 2025.