File photo: PM Modi (Photo credit: ANI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India has taken a “decisive step” in its civil nuclear journey after the prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam went critical, marking a major milestone in the country’s nuclear power programme.In a post on X, PM Modi Said indigenously designed and built reactor represents progress in the second phase of India’s three-stage nuclear program and underlines the country’s long-term goal of exploiting its large thorium reserves.PM Modi wrote, “Today, India is taking a decisive step in its civil nuclear journey, taking forward the second phase of its nuclear programme.”“The indigenously designed and built prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam has achieved criticality,” he said.

PM said the reactor showcases India’s scientific and engineering strength

The Prime Minister said the advanced reactor is capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, calling it a major technological achievement for India’s nuclear sector.PM Modi said, “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.”He said the development was “a decisive step towards exploiting our vast thorium reserves in the third phase of the programme.”

PM congratulated scientists and engineers

Calling the achievement a “proud moment for India”, PM Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the project.“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 power capabilities, with the Kalpakkam reactor expected to play a key role in strengthening the country’s strategic and civil nuclear ambitions.