Fast breeder reactor to attain criticality before Sep 2014

The first 500 MWe fast breeder reactor in India's nuclear programme, being constructed at Kalpakkam nuclear complex near here, would attain criticality before September 2014, a top official said today.
"Over 95 per cent of physical progress is complete at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). The plant will definitely attain criticality before September 2014," Prabhat Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) told PTI.
Criticality is the event of a nuclear reactor reaching a self-sustained chain reaction.
Asked about the present status of the unit, he said he is expecting some equipment to arrive after which work at Kalpakkam, some 60 kms from here, will be completed by October this year.

Dr Homi Bhabha had formulated the country's three-stage nuclear power programme -- the first being PHWRs (pressurised heavy water reactors), the second fast breeder reactors and the last phase being advanced heavy water reactors (AHWR).