NuclearSecurity – NPCIL Clarifies Reported Kudankulam Data Leak Involves Only Conventional Plant Designs
NuclearSecurity – Reports surrounding the alleged data exposure linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project have prompted an official clarification from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The state-owned company stated that the material reportedly leaked contains only drawings associated with conventional plant infrastructure and does not include any information related to nuclear safety, reactor operations, or security systems.
NPCIL Responds to Reports on Alleged Data Exposure
The clarification follows recent media reports claiming that engineering documents connected to Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project had been leaked through a cybersecurity incident involving Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. NPCIL emphasized that the documents in question are limited to the Balance of Plant (BoP) package, which supports routine plant operations but remains separate from critical nuclear systems.
According to the corporation, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the Common Services-BoP package was awarded to Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. in 2018 after a public tender process. The selection followed the standard procurement procedure adopted for large infrastructure projects.
Contract Covers Conventional Infrastructure Facilities
NPCIL explained that the EPC agreement includes engineering, procurement, supply, construction, and commissioning of common service facilities required for the project. These installations are conventional in nature and are comparable to systems commonly found in thermal power stations and other industrial process facilities.
The corporation stressed that these facilities do not form part of the nuclear safety architecture or the security framework that protects reactor operations. As a result, the reported documents do not contain sensitive information associated with nuclear technology or plant protection mechanisms.
Technical Drawings Prepared Through Standard Engineering Process
The official statement also outlined how the engineering documents were created during the project. NPCIL said that, as part of the competitive bidding process, prospective contractors were provided with indicative drawings and technical specifications to help prepare their proposals.
Using these reference materials along with project requirements, Reliance Infrastructure developed detailed engineering drawings in coordination with the respective Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These technical documents were subsequently reviewed by NPCIL’s engineering teams before being formally accepted for implementation.
No Impact on Nuclear Safety or Security Systems
Reiterating its position, NPCIL stated that the information reportedly available in the public domain is restricted to conventional Balance of Plant common service facilities. The corporation firmly maintained that none of the material relates to nuclear safety systems, reactor control infrastructure, or security-sensitive information.
The clarification aims to address concerns raised following the reported breach and to distinguish routine engineering documentation from critical nuclear infrastructure. By making this distinction, NPCIL sought to reassure stakeholders that the reported incident has no connection with the operational safety or security mechanisms of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.
The corporation has maintained that the engineering drawings referenced in media reports represent standard industrial infrastructure used to support plant operations. It added that all nuclear safety-related systems continue to remain protected and are not part of the documents reportedly exposed through the alleged incident.