New Delhi: A major step forward in India’s advanced nuclear technology programme was marked on 16 September 2026 with the inauguration of the DARSHAN (Development of Advanced Reactors, Simulation & High-end Analysis) Hub. The state-of-the-art facility has been established to support activities related to the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India.
The DARSHAN Hub was inaugurated by Rajesh V., Chairman and Managing Director of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), in the presence of senior officials from NPCIL and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
The facility has been created to strengthen indigenous capabilities in advanced reactor technologies and provide high-end engineering and analytical support for indigenous SMRs being jointly developed by NPCIL and BARC.
DARSHAN Hub to Support Indigenous Advanced Reactor Development
The DARSHAN Hub has been established as a dedicated platform for advanced engineering, simulation and analytical activities required for the development of next-generation nuclear reactor technologies.
The facility is equipped with high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced simulation capabilities, allowing engineers and researchers to carry out complex engineering applications for indigenous reactor technologies.
Key capabilities of the DARSHAN Hub include:
- Three-dimensional plant engineering
- Digital simulations
- High-end engineering analysis
- Safety assessments
- Advanced modelling and simulation
- Engineering applications for indigenous SMR development
These capabilities are expected to support simulation-driven design and help strengthen the technological foundation for advanced reactor development in India.
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Focus on Small Modular Reactor Technology
The DARSHAN Hub will provide engineering and analytical support for Small Modular Reactors being developed jointly by NPCIL and BARC. SMRs require advanced modelling, simulation and integrated engineering processes during their design and development. The new facility will provide the computing and simulation infrastructure needed to support these activities.
By creating a dedicated platform for digital engineering and high-end analysis, the hub is expected to contribute to the development of indigenous expertise in advanced reactor technologies.
Strengthening India’s Advanced Nuclear Capabilities
The establishment of the DARSHAN Hub marks an important step towards strengthening India’s capabilities in next-generation nuclear technologies.
The facility will support greater use of digital engineering and simulation-based approaches in reactor design and development. It also reflects efforts to build advanced technological capabilities within the country.
The initiative is aligned with the broader focus on:
- Indigenous development of advanced nuclear technologies
- Technological self-reliance
- High-end engineering and digital capabilities
- Innovation in nuclear reactor design
- Development of future nuclear energy technologies
Supporting India’s Long-Term Energy Goals
The inauguration of the DARSHAN Hub comes as India continues to focus on innovative nuclear technologies as part of its long-term energy security and clean energy objectives.
According to the information provided by NPCIL, indigenous SMRs are expected to complement the country’s existing nuclear power programme and support future growth in low-carbon electricity generation. The new facility will provide an important technological base for engineering, simulation and analysis activities associated with advanced nuclear systems.
DARSHAN Hub Aligns with Viksit Bharat Vision
The facility also supports the broader vision of Viksit Bharat, with emphasis on innovation, technological self-reliance and the development of high-end engineering capabilities within India.
Through advanced computing, digital simulation and engineering analysis, the DARSHAN Hub is intended to strengthen domestic expertise and reduce dependence on external technological capabilities for advanced reactor development.
A Platform for Next-Generation Nuclear Engineering
With the establishment of the DARSHAN Hub, NPCIL and BARC will have a dedicated facility to support advanced engineering and analytical requirements for indigenous reactor technologies.
The combination of high-performance computing, digital simulations, three-dimensional plant engineering and high-end analysis is expected to strengthen the design and development process for advanced reactors and SMRs.
About NPCIL
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is an organisation involved in India’s nuclear power programme. The company is responsible for activities related to the development and operation of nuclear power generation facilities and works towards strengthening India’s nuclear power capabilities.
About BARC
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is a major Indian nuclear research and development organisation. It undertakes research and development activities in nuclear science, reactor technology and related advanced technologies, supporting India’s nuclear energy and strategic technology programmes.
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