700 MW Kakrapur atomic plant-3 achieves 1st criticality

In a historic development, the Unit 3 of the Kakrapur Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3 700 W) in Gujarat attained its first criticality (controlled self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction for the first time) at 9.35 am on Wednesday.

First of its kind indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), the KAPP-3 is designed entirely by the Indian scientists and engineers. The components and equipment for the reactor have been manufactured by Indian Industries, while the construction and erection was undertaken by various Indian contractors.

Lauding the State-run NPCIL’s feat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to our nuclear scientists for achieving criticality of Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3! This indigenously designed 700