New Delhi, April 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on the social media platform X that India is taking a significant step in its civil nuclear journey by advancing to the second stage of its nuclear program.
PM Modi stated that the prototype fast breeder reactor, designed and built in Kalpakkam, has reached criticality.
He emphasized that this advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, showcases the depth of India’s scientific capabilities and the strength of its engineering enterprise. This milestone is a crucial step toward utilizing the country’s vast thorium reserves in the program’s third stage. It is a moment of pride for India, and he congratulated the scientists and engineers involved.
The Prime Minister described this achievement as the most decisive step in India’s civil nuclear journey. He clarified that reaching criticality means India could potentially generate far more fuel than it consumes. India has now achieved the capability to produce thorium.
Earlier, in March 2024, PM Modi observed the initiation of the ‘core loading’ process for this reactor, marking the first significant step toward its operation. With the achievement of criticality, India is on track to become the second country in the world, after Russia, to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.
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