Mumbai, May 12 -- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has approved restarting operations of unit 2 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) following completion of major refurbishment work by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Units 1 and 2 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station are Asia's first commercial nuclear power plant units, commissioned in 1969. The units, based on Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) design, are located at Tarapur near Boisar, Palghar district. The refurbishment included complete replacement of the reactor coolant recirculation piping with forged piping and fittings made of advanced corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The AERB reviewed the work through its multi-tiered safety review process, which showed that the reactor could continue safe operation with the normal maintenance and surveillance programme. On May 6, the AERB board took cognisance of the refurbishment, inspections, assessments and reviews and agreed to permit restarting and continuing operations for a further period of 10 years. Accordingly, permission to restart unit 2 was granted on May 7. Earlier, unit 1 underwent a similar refurbishment and reviews....