A New Chapter in India's Nuclear Journey

• India's indigenously built 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu attained first criticality on 6 April 2026, formally entering Stage 2 of the three-stage nuclear power programme.
• Operator: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE); technology developed by IGCAR.
• Strategic significance: India becomes only the second country after Russia to operate a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor.