New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- India's ambitious plan to involve private companies in nuclear power generation has hit major obstacles.

The country's first private-sector nuclear power tender, launched in March 2024, has been delayed due to cost disputes and funding challenges.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), which issued the tender for small modular reactors, has received over 680 technical and financial queries from interested bidders.

Companies such as Tata Power, Adani Energy, and Reliance Industries have expressed concerns about the tender's financial structure and operational terms.

A key issue revolves around the high service charges imposed by NPCIL and the overall project cost. Private players have argued that the p...