Jaipur, July 30 -- Rajasthan's nuclear power capacity is set for a major expansion, with the Union government planning an additional 7,000 MW through projects under construction, pre-project activities and proposed units, taking the state's total planned nuclear capacity to 8,780 MW, according to information tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. According to the information, the state currently has 1,780 MW of operational nuclear capacity, while another 7,000 MW is in the pipeline. The department of atomic energy gave the reply to a question raised by MPs Brijendra Singh Ola, Rahul Kaswan and Sanjna Jatav regarding the status of nuclear projects in Rajasthan, their socio-economic impact and future plans for the sector. The operational nuclear facilities are located at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) in Rawatbhata. These include RAPS-2 (200 MW), RAPS-3 and 4 (220 MW each), RAPS-5 and 6 (220 MW each), and RAPP-7 (700 MW), together accounting for 1,780 MW of installed capacity. Another 700 MW unit, RAPP-8, is presently under construction and commissioning. The Centre has also outlined an ambitious expansion roadmap for Rajasthan's nuclear sector. At the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), four 700 MW reactors with a combined capacity of 2,800 MW are undergoing pre-project activities. In addition, two more 700 MW reactors - RAPP-9 and RAPP-10 - with a combined capacity of 1,400 MW have been proposed at Rawatbhata. Together with the 700 MW RAPP-8 under construction, Rajasthan has 7,000 MW of additional nuclear capacity planned beyond its existing operational units. The government's reply also sheds light on the economic impact of nuclear projects in the state. It said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) conducted comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies within a 30-kilometre radius of both the Rawatbhata site and the proposed Mahi Banswara project. Besides environmental parameters, the studies examined demographic changes, employment generation, skill development, infrastructure and socio-economic conditions. According to the findings cited by the Centre, the nuclear projects have had a positive impact on communities around the project sites by creating employment opportunities, promoting industrialisation, diversifying local skills and improving roads, health services, educational facilities and overall community development. However, despite Rajasthan's expanding nuclear footprint, the Centre clarified that no separate study has been conducted to examine the state's potential as a national hub for nuclear manufacturing, research or skill development. It also said that there is no Rajasthan-specific action plan to integrate local industries, MSMEs and educational institutions with upcoming nuclear projects. Instead, the government pointed to the SHANTI Act, 2025. Once the rules under the Act are notified, local industries, MSMEs and educational institutions in Rajasthan will be able to participate in the country's expanding nuclear sector....