Kakrapar atomic plant achieves criticality, PM hails scientists

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, July 22

With the Kakrapar atomic power plant-3 in Gujarat achieving criticality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and RK Singh hailed the feat achieved by scientists, claiming that “it is an example of ‘Make in India’ and a big day in the country’s nuclear history”.

The Prime Minister tweeted, “Congratulations to our nuclear scientists for achieving criticality of Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3! This indigenously designed 700 MWe KAPP-3 reactor is a shining example of ‘Make in India’ and a trailblazer for many such future achievements!”

The Home Minister hailed it as a “big day”. In one of his Twitter posts, Shah said, “…Nation salutes our scientists on this stellar achievement. New India is marching ahead to realise PM @NarendraModi’s vision of #AatmanirbharBharat.”

Earlier, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh took to Twitter to announce that India’s first indigenously built atomic power project KAPP-3, Kakrapar, Gujarat, has achieved criticality at 9:36 am on Wednesday. “Indeed a big achievement for #NPCIL and #MakeInIndia programme under the leadership of PM @narendramodi,” he said.

The nuclear power plant in Gujarat achieved criticality, meaning it reached the normal operating condition of a reactor. It indicates that the plant is now set to generate power. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is situated on the banks of the Tapti river and is around 80 km from Surat.

The KAPP-3 and 4 are of the Mark V category of Indian Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor design. The reactors are equipped with improved safety features and steam generators.