The 700 MW nuclear power reactor at Kakrapar achieved its initial criticality marking the start of controlled fission reactions this Sunday.
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This development paves the way for the transition towards generating electricity for commercial purposes.

The Chairman and Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), B C Pathak, was in attendance when this feat was observed at 1:17 am.

Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) Unit-4 is the second installment in a series of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) each boasting a capacity of 700 MW, being established across the country.

Addressing officials at the site, Pathak emphasized the significance of achieving criticality for KAPP-4 within six months of the commercial operation of Unit-3.

The attainment of criticality adhered to all stipulations set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which granted clearance following a thorough review of the safety of the plant systems, according to a statement from NPCIL.