Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that India has reached an important milestone in its civil nuclear programme. The indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully attained criticality.
A Key Step in India’s Nuclear Journey
Calling the achievement a “defining step,” Modi said the development marks major progress in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
“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,” he wrote on X.
Today, India takes a defining step in its civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear programme.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2026
The indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has attained criticality.
This advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel…
Reactor Designed for Long-Term Energy Security
The Prime Minister highlighted that the PFBR has been fully designed and built within India. One of its most important features is its ability to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes. This capability is crucial for ensuring long-term energy security.
He added that this success shows the strength of India’s scientific and engineering expertise. It also brings the country closer to using its large thorium reserves in the final stage of the nuclear programme.
Describing it as “a proud moment for India,” Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers who contributed to the project.
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme Explained
India’s Department of Atomic Energy has developed a three-stage nuclear power strategy. This plan aims to maximise the use of limited uranium resources while tapping into the country’s abundant thorium reserves.
- First Stage: Uses natural uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to generate power.
- Second Stage: Uses plutonium, extracted from spent fuel, in Fast Breeder Reactors to create more fissile material.
- Third Stage: Focuses on large-scale use of thorium, using uranium-233 produced in breeder reactors.
Progress So Far
The first stage of the programme is already operational with indigenous PHWRs. Meanwhile, the second stage is moving forward with the commissioning of the PFBR by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited at Kalpakkam.
Once the third stage is fully developed, India aims to unlock thorium as a nearly unlimited source of clean energy, ensuring sustainable power for the future.