R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, APR 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded India’s indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, which has recently achieved criticality—marking a decisive breakthrough in the second stage of the country’s three-stage civil nuclear programme.
Speaking during the 133rd episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister reflected on the nation’s scientific strides, stating, “Despite the hustle and bustle of the elections, we have shared happiness with each other over achievements of the country and countrymen.”
Calling the development a major national accomplishment, he said, “India has always viewed science as linked with the nation’s progress. With this vision, our scientists are advancing the civil nuclear programme. Due to their efforts, this programme is making a significant contribution. This has immensely benefited our industrial growth, energy and health sector. India’s civil nuclear programme has provided immense assistance to everyone from farmers to modern innovators.”
Highlighting the significance of the breakthrough, Modi added, “A few days back, our nuclear scientists made India proud with another major achievement. In Tamil Nadu’s Kalpakkam, the fast breeder has achieved criticality. This is a stage in which the reactor achieves success in a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. This stage means the beginning of the reactor’s operation phase,” describing it as a “historic milestone” in India’s nuclear journey.
The 500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor is designed to produce more fissile material than it consumes using mixed oxide fuel—an innovation that advances India’s long-term goal of tapping its vast thorium reserves in the third stage of the nuclear programme.
Underscoring its strategic importance, the Prime Minister noted, “Another big thing is that this nuclear reactor is built entirely on Swadeshi (indigenous) technology.” He added that the system not only generates power but also creates future fuel, strengthening India’s energy independence.
Recalling his visit, Modi said, “I remember the time in March 2024, when I witnessed the core loading of the reactor in Kalpakkam. I congratulate all those who have made an invaluable contribution to India’s nuclear program. Their effort to make the lives of countrymen better and easier is really commendable. This will also give new energy to our resolution of a Viksit Bharat.”
With the PFBR entering this crucial phase, India moves closer to a self-reliant, sustainable nuclear energy ecosystem—powering both growth and long-term energy security.
