India has taken a major step toward expanding its atomic energy infrastructure and strengthening safety standards across the nuclear power sector. The Department of Atomic Energy has published comprehensive draft rules under the Nuclear Energy for Sustainable Harnessing and Augmentation for India Transformation (SHANTI) Act, 2025. These regulations aim to modernize governance, streamline complex licensing procedures, and establish robust financial protection mechanisms in the rare event of a nuclear incident. By updating these frameworks, the government seeks to attract investment while maintaining stringent safety oversight.
Periodic Review of Civil Liability Limits
A core element of the proposed framework involves managing liability risks for plant operators. According to the draft rules, the Central Government will constitute an expert panel every five years to review the maximum limit of an operator's civil liability for nuclear damage. Regular evaluation ensures that compensation figures remain aligned with economic changes and global safety benchmarks. This structure reassures the public that financial recourse is guaranteed while establishing clear responsibility for facility managers.
Regulatory Prerequisites for Foreign Reactor Designs
To guard against unproven technologies, the draft rules set firm standards for imported nuclear technology. Any reactor featuring a foreign design must first receive formal certification from the official regulatory body of its country of origin. Furthermore, the specific design must already be operational either in its home country or in another nation. This dual condition guarantees that India adopts only field-tested nuclear technologies with demonstrated operational track records.
In-Principle Approval for Early Project Development
Recognizing that nuclear power projects often encounter procedural delays, the draft regulations introduce a flexible preliminary clearance mechanism. The licensing authority can grant in-principle approval once an application is accepted, even if the exact geographic site or technology vendor has not been finalized. Securing this early clearance enables developers to begin negotiations with global technology vendors, initiate land acquisition, and set up vital preliminary infrastructure without waiting for full construction permits.
Unified Single License Across the Facility Lifecycle
In a significant simplification of bureaucratic procedures, the draft rules propose a single comprehensive license covering the entire lifespan of a nuclear facility. This single license will govern construction, ownership, operation, and ultimate decommissioning. The draft explicitly prohibits applying for, granting, or splitting separate licenses for individual stages. Unifying these permissions under one authorization minimizes red tape while ensuring continuous regulatory accountability throughout the facility's existence.
