“The electrical and power industry will be a key enabler of India’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s largest economies. The sector will drive innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable growth. In the future, enhanced inter-country power connectivity can transform electricity into a global resource, creating a more interconnected and prosperous world.”
Over the course of your distinguished career, you have witnessed multiple phases of industrial and technological transformation. Which developments do you believe have most significantly reshaped the electrical and power sector, and why?
My professional journey began with RSEB, where I was deputed to NPTI and gained extensive exposure to the power sector through specialized training and visits to major facilities, including NTPC power plants and BHEL manufacturing units. This experience provided me with a strong foundation across the entire electrical value chain, from equipment manufacturing to power generation.
Later, at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), I further enhanced my expertise in power plant operations and maintenance. The strong grounding in electrical engineering that I received early in my career equipped me to contribute to and lead some of the largest industrial and steel-sector projects across leading organizations.
One of the most remarkable transformations I have witnessed over the years has been the shift from conventional electrical systems to intelligent automation, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and digitally integrated operations. Electrical engineering has always been at the core of complex industrial projects, and this foundation enabled me to take on broader leadership responsibilities, including serving as Director – Supply Chain Management at Global Steel Europe and later as Managing Director of Danieli Corus India Limited.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of leading and executing several large-scale projects, and I consider the ability to successfully deliver complex projects on time as one of the most valuable outcomes of my electrical engineering background.
The electrical industry today stands at the crossroads of digitalization, sustainability, and rising energy demand. What fundamental shifts do you believe will define its next phase of evolution?
I believe the next phase of transformation in the power sector will be driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence across generation, transmission, and distribution systems. AI will enable predictive maintenance, real-time fault detection, and intelligent asset management, significantly enhancing reliability while reducing downtime and operational costs. In the distribution segment, AI-powered analytics will improve load forecasting, demand management, and overall energy efficiency. As the industry continues to evolve, the shift from conventional automation to intelligent, data-driven decision-making systems will be one of the most defining developments, enabling smarter, more resilient, and efficient power networks
From manufacturing facilities to power networks, operational excellence is increasingly dependent on intelligent systems and data-driven decision-making. How do you see technology transforming the way critical infrastructure is designed, managed, and maintained?.
Technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), is set to transform the design, execution, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Large power projects can greatly benefit from AI-driven planning, smart execution, and intelligent erection and commissioning processes, helping ensure timely completion and minimizing delays that can impact national development. AI-enabled monitoring, predictive analytics, and real-time insights will support better decision-making, optimize resource utilization, and strengthen project governance. Ultimately, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency across the entire asset lifecycle will be key to improving reliability, sustainability, and overall operational excellence
Having worked extensively in engineering, project management, and supply chain leadership, what lessons can the electrical industry draw from these disciplines to improve project execution and operational efficiency?
One of the most important lessons is that timely procurement and efficient supply chain management are the lifelines of successful project execution. Materials must be delivered and consumed as planned, avoiding inventory bottlenecks and project delays. AI-enabled e-auctions can bring greater transparency, competition, and efficiency in procurement, while surplus, obsolete, and scrap materials should be systematically disposed of through e-auctions to generate additional revenue. The integration of AI and e-auction platforms can significantly enhance both operational efficiency and asset utilization.
India’s infrastructure ambitions are unprecedented in scale. What role do you see the electrical and power industry playing in supporting the nation’s broader economic and industrial development goals?
The electrical and power industry will be a key enabler of India’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s largest economies. Engineers must ensure reliable and affordable electricity reaches every corner of the country, particularly rural areas, while leveraging AI and advanced technologies to modernize generation, transmission, distribution, transportation, and industry. The sector will drive innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable growth. In the future, enhanced inter-country power connectivity can transform electricity into a global resource, creating a more interconnected and prosperous world.
As someone who has contributed to both industry and academia, do you believe the next generation of engineers requires a different skill set from previous generations? If so, what capabilities will be most valuable?
Yes, the next generation of electrical engineers will require a much broader skill set than previous generations. Along with a strong foundation in electrical equipment manufacturing, power generation, transmission, and distribution, they will need to develop expertise in emerging technologies such as AI, automation, data analytics, and smart energy systems. As the industry continues to evolve, the role of academia and technical institutions will become even more important in preparing engineers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to meet future challenges. Continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new technologies will be essential for success in this rapidly transforming sector.
The electrical industry is undergoing a period of remarkable change, driven by new technologies, evolving consumer expectations, and sustainability imperatives. From your perspective, what qualities will distinguish the organizations that emerge as leaders in this new era?
In the emerging era, the organizations that will lead the electrical industry will be those that consistently deliver superior quality at competitive costs. Quality will remain the ultimate differentiator, influencing reliability, efficiency, customer confidence, and long-term sustainability. Organizations that embrace innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality will thrive, whereas those unable to meet these expectations will gradually lose relevance. In a highly competitive environment, quality and performance will be the true measures of success.
