File photo: PM Modi (Picture credit: ANI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India had taken a “defining step” in its civil nuclear journey after the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam attained criticality, marking a major milestone in the country’s nuclear energy programme.In a post on X, PM Modi said the indigenously designed and built reactor represented progress in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme and underlined the country’s long-term goal of tapping its large thorium reserves.“Today, India takes a defining step in its civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear programme,” PM Modi wrote.“The indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has attained criticality,” he said.

PM says reactor showcases India’s scientific and engineering strength

The Prime Minister said the advanced reactor was capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, calling it a major technological achievement for India’s nuclear sector.“This advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, reflects the depth of our scientific capability and the strength of our engineering enterprise,” PM Modi said.He added that the development was “a decisive step towards harnessing our vast thorium reserves in the third stage of the programme.”

PM congratulates scientists and engineers

Calling the achievement “a proud moment for India”, PM Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the project.“A proud moment for India. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers,” he said in the post.The announcement marks a significant moment for India’s indigenous nuclear energy capabilities, with the Kalpakkam reactor expected to play an important role in strengthening the country’s strategic and civilian nuclear ambitions.