India has moved a step ahead in its civil nuclear programme as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, marking progress in the country’s three-stage nuclear energy roadmap. The milestone is seen as important for long-term energy security and better fuel use. The Precision Engineering business of Godrej Enterprises Group played a key role by supplying critical components such as the Large Rotating Plug, Small Rotating Plug, and Sodium Pump Shaft to Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited, a government-owned company. With this, India has become only the second country to develop commercial fast breeder reactor capability.
The components involve complex engineering. The rotating plugs measure up to 8 metres in diameter and weigh nearly 120 tonnes, while the sodium pump shaft operates in extreme conditions at high speed. All parts were designed and manufactured within India without prior domestic reference, marking a first-time achievement.
Officials said the project overcame major technical challenges, including specialised bearings and systems built to handle strict safety and seismic conditions. The PFBR, developed over 22 years, will help create more fuel than it consumes and support thorium use, where India has large reserves. In Guwahati, such developments could boost demand for high-end engineering services and skilled manpower in the Northeast over time. Local suppliers and fabrication units may benefit indirectly as India expands its nuclear and energy infrastructure, opening new opportunities for regional industrial growth.