MUMBAI, September 19, 2026: A major milestone in India’s advanced nuclear technology programme was achieved with the inauguration of the DARSHAN (Development of Advanced Reactors, Simulation & High-end Analysis) Hub, a state-of-the-art facility established to support the development of indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and next-generation reactor technologies.
The DARSHAN Hub was inaugurated on 16 September 2026 by Shri Rajesh V., Chairman and Managing Director, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), in the presence of senior officials from NPCIL and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).
The facility has been created to provide advanced engineering and analytical support for indigenous reactor technologies being jointly developed by NPCIL and BARC. Equipped with high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced simulation tools, the hub will enable three-dimensional plant engineering, digital simulations, safety assessments, high-end analysis and other engineering applications required for modern reactor design and development.
According to NPCIL, the DARSHAN Hub will play an important role in strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced nuclear technologies by providing a dedicated platform for digital engineering and simulation-driven design. Such capabilities are increasingly important for the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors, which rely heavily on advanced modelling, virtual testing and integrated engineering processes.
The inauguration comes at a time when India is expanding its focus on innovative nuclear technologies as part of its long-term energy security and clean energy objectives. Indigenous SMRs are expected to complement the country’s existing nuclear power programme and support future growth in low-carbon electricity generation.
The facility also aligns with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat, emphasising technological self-reliance, innovation and the development of high-end engineering capabilities within the country.
With the establishment of the DARSHAN Hub, India takes another step towards building indigenous expertise in advanced reactor design and strengthening the technological foundation required for the next generation of nuclear power systems.
