Parliament Question: Status of FRFCF at Kalpakkam

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4321 ANSWERED ON 02/04/2026 STATUS OF FRFCF AT KALPAKKAM 4321. SHRI R GIRIRAJAN Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:- (a) the reasons for inordinate delay in completion of the Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle Facility (FRFCF) at Kalpakkam; (b) the details of expenditure incurred on the Facility so far, and the cost escalation to the original allocation; and (c) the current status and progress of work there the expenditure likely to be incurred therefor and the expected timeline for its completion? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a) The project has progressed satisfactorily in all parallel activities; however, the overall completion timeline was affected due to delays in commencement of project caused by remediation of weak foundation strata requiring additional excavation, non-availability of natural river sand due to a State ban, delays in rock excavation for want of mining clearances, unprecedented rains and floods in 2015, and the COVID-19 pandemic leading to disruption of material supply chains, shortage of skilled manpower, and financial stress. In addition to the above, further delay occurred due to the involvement of FOIK (First-of-its-Kind) equipment requiring extended design validation, prototype development, iterative testing, integration and safety review requirements, as these had no prior manufacturing or operational reference. (b) As on 28th February 2026, an expenditure of Rs.4904 Crore has been incurred. No cost escalation to original allocation is anticipated.(c) The project is progressing satisfactorily and the civil works for all the major blocks are completed. Mechanical systems erection, air-conditioning and ventilation system, piping and electrical jobs are in progress in various blocks. Total funds likely to be incurred for completion of project is Rs.9589 Crore. The project is scheduled to be completed with commissioning of all the facilities under the project in December, 2029. *****