India is set to take a major step in expanding its nuclear power programme, with plans to invite bids for setting up the 220 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) within the next three to six months. The project is considered a key part of the country’s clean energy transition, officials told ET.Foreign companies will be allowed to participate in the bidding process, but only through tie-ups with local partners, an official said. The reactor design will be standardized, and the first unit is expected to serve as a model for future installations.“A cost of around Rs 30 crore per megawatt (MW) has been approved as a pilot project for BSMR-200,” another official told the financial daily.BSMR-200 is being jointly developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The total cost of development and construction is estimated to be around Rs 5,960 crore, which will be funded through the Atomic Energy Mission. After approval, construction is expected to take 60 to 72 months.Officials said inter-ministerial consultations are currently underway to finalize the bid details.The move comes after the enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Peace) Act in December 2025, opening up the nuclear sector to private investment.“The final decision on the proposal will be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs,” the official said. He said domestic companies capable of executing the project on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis have already been identified.The Union Budget had allocated Rs 20,000 crore to develop at least five indigenously designed and operational small modular reactors by 2033 under the Atomic Energy Mission.India has also set an ambitious target of reaching 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 along with efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and technology development in the region.In a recent milestone for the nuclear program, India’s prototype fast breeder reactor reached critical status this month.