India Takes a Major Leap in Nuclear Energy; Kalpakkam Reactor Achieves Criticality—PM Calls It a Decisive Step

New Delhi: The indigenously built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu has achieved criticality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this achievement via a post on the social media platform ‘X’ and congratulated the scientists and engineers associated with the project. He stated that India is taking decisive steps in its civilian nuclear program. This milestone advances the second stage of the country’s three-stage nuclear program.

Prime Minister Modi noted that this advanced reactor is capable of generating more fuel than it consumes. He added that this achievement demonstrates the strength of the country’s scientific capabilities and engineering prowess. Prime Minister Modi also described it as a decisive step toward utilizing India’s vast thorium reserves in the third stage of its nuclear program.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah hailed this development as the dawn of a new era in India’s civilian nuclear program. Posting on the social media platform ‘X’, Amit Shah congratulated the country’s scientists and engineers on this major success achieved in the construction of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam.

He characterized this as a significant stride toward global leadership in the field of energy production. Amit Shah stated that this facility will play a pivotal role in harnessing the energy latent within the country’s vast thorium reserves. He further added that this achievement would prove instrumental in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transforming India into an energy powerhouse.

It is noteworthy that the fueling process for the Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located at Kalpakkam commenced in October 2025. The reactor is being operated by the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI). This initiative forms an integral part of the country’s long-term nuclear strategy. Once this reactor becomes fully operational, India will become the second nation—after Russia—to possess a commercial Fast Breeder Reactor.