India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has approved the start of excavation works for Units 1 and 2 of the Mahi Banswara nuclear power project in the state of Rajasthan, northwestern India, Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) said.

The Mahi Banswara nuclear station will consist of four 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) units (PHWRs) using indigenous technology, making it one of India’s largest nuclear power projects, earlier statements have said.

NPCIL said the recent regulatory approval allows the start of major onsite activities and represents an early construction milestone for the project.