At the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) complex in Trombay (Mumbai), which of the following reactor types has historically been housed for experimentation and training purposes?

Introduction / Context:
India’s nuclear ecosystem includes several specialized sites with different missions. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) at Trombay is the premier hub for nuclear research and development, materials, fuel cycles, and training—not a commercial power station. Understanding the role of Trombay helps aspirants correctly classify facilities in exam questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• BARC Trombay’s mandate emphasizes research, development, and training.
• India’s commercial power reactors are spread across separate generating stations.
• Fast breeder development has been centered at Kalpakkam under a different unit.

Concept / Approach:
“Research reactor” refers to reactors designed for experiments, neutron activation, isotope production, and training rather than continuous grid electricity generation. BARC Trombay historically hosted research reactors (e.g., Apsara and subsequent units over time) aligned with this mission, distinct from large power reactors or heavy-water production plants.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify BARC’s mission: R&D and training.Map missions to reactor types: research reactors support experiments and isotope work.Exclude commercial power and breeder focus assigned to other sites.Therefore, the correct classification is “research reactor.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard references and Indian nuclear program overviews consistently list Trombay as a research complex, not a site for commercial power generation or heavy water manufacture (which are managed by other entities/sites).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Power reactor: those are located at designated nuclear power stations.Fast breeder reactor: development focused elsewhere (e.g., Kalpakkam).Heavy water plant: handled by production units at other industrial sites.Only fuel reprocessing: BARC does much more, including research reactors.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming every nuclear campus houses power reactors.Confusing Trombay’s R&D mission with production operations.

Final Answer:
Research reactor