The Indian government has made public its intent for decommissioning its coal-fired plants (CFPs) in the coming years, leading to elimination of all SFPs by the year 2070. As CFPs at present generate about 73 % of its electricity production, alternate power generators have to be planned urgently. The main alternate sources to fill this shortfall appear to be solar and nuclear. Solar power is useful in meeting agriculture and domestic demands, but is limited to vicinities. Major claims have been made for installation of nuclear power plants of indigenous design and manufacture. However, their rates of completion have been found wanting. Efforts have been made for importing nuclear power plant units of large sizes (1000 MWe or more). However, their locations are limited due to stringent siting requirements. In this scenario, the role of Small Modular Reactor units (300 MWe or less) and designed to be located at sites of decommissioned Coal Fored Plants close to population centres becomes prominent. In this paper, the benefits and drawbacks of advanced Small Modular Reactor units are presented.