Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially confirmed that India’s
indigenously designed and constructed Advanced Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR),
located at Kalpakkam, has successfully attained criticality.
This achievement marks a monumental leap forward in the nation’s civil nuclear
journey, effectively transitioning India into the second stage of its
sophisticated three-stage nuclear power program.
Today, India takes a defining step in its civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear programme.
The indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has attained criticality.
This advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2026
The Prime Minister described the event as a defining moment for the country,
taking to the social media platform X to express his pride. He highlighted
that the development is a testament to the profound depth of Indian scientific
expertise and the robust nature of the nation’s engineering capabilities. This
milestone is particularly significant because the reactor was developed
entirely within the country, showcasing self-reliance in a highly complex
field.
One of the most remarkable features of the PFBR is its ability to produce more
fissile material than it consumes during operation. By generating more fuel
than it uses, the reactor provides a sustainable pathway for energy
production.
This “breeding” capability is essential for long-term energy
security, as it allows for a much more efficient use of nuclear resources
compared to conventional reactors.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasised that the success at Kalpakkam is a
decisive step toward the third stage of India’s nuclear programme. This future
stage aims to harness the country’s vast domestic thorium reserves.
Because
thorium is far more abundant in India than uranium, mastering this technology
is seen as the ultimate key to achieving total energy independence.
In his concluding remarks, Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the
scientists and engineers whose work made this achievement possible. He
reiterated that the advancement of the PFBR not only strengthens India’s
nuclear capabilities but also reinforces the nation’s standing as a leader in
advanced scientific and engineering excellence on the global stage.
PMO
