Unit 2 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (1000 MW) Light Water Reactor (LWR) with technical cooperation with Russia attained first criticality at 20:56 hours on July 10, 2016. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) being constructed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Atomic Energy, is at an advanced stage of commissioning. Activities prior to first approach to criticality are being carried out after obtaining stage-wise clearances by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). PFBR is poised for first criticality by March, 2017.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.