L&T’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure team marks a significant achievement
An important construction milestone was reached on the Kundakulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) on 15 June. The reactor pressure vessel was erected for its Unit 5 (2 x 1000 MWe) by L&T’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure business.
The vessel is the heart of the nuclear reactor. It houses the reactor core, fuel assemblies, control rods and key internal components where nuclear fission generates the thermal energy required for power production. Serving as the primary safety barrier within the Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS), the vessel is among the most safety-critical and precision-engineered components of a nuclear power plant.
Supplied by Rosatom, Russia, the VVER-1,000 vessel is an engineering marvel. It weighs 320 MT, stands 11.185 m high and has a diameter of 4.69 m. Designed to operate under extreme conditions of 321°C temperature and 160 bar pressure, it has a service life exceeding 60 years.
The installation of this behemoth is a testament to L&T’s engineering excellence, meticulous planning, and flawless execution.
Completed with Zero Harm and a First Time Right approach, the activity involved detailed lift planning, precision alignment, stringent quality controls and seamless coordination across multiple functions while adhering to the highest nuclear safety standards. Demonstrating exceptional execution quality, the team achieved an v flange flatness of 78 microns against the specified tolerance of 100 microns – the best alignment result achieved across KKNPP Units 1 to 5.
KKNPP Units 5 & 6 Mechanical Erection Package comprises the installation of critical reactor and turbine island systems, including the reactor pressure vessel, steam generators, main coolant systems, turbine-generator package, seawater systems, cranes, piping, structural steel works and auxiliaries.
This accomplishment reinforces L&T’s leadership in executing complex nuclear projects and highlights its enduring commitment to safety, quality, innovation and engineering excellence. It is yet another example of how L&T continues to contribute to India’s energy security and the nation’s growing clean energy ambitions.
