S. M. Ramanathan appointed Director Engineering, Research and Development, BHEL

02 May 2025 CW Team

S. M. Ramanathan, 58, has taken charge as Director (Engineering, Research & Development) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) following his appointment to the company's Board.

Ramanathan is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Madras, with an M. Tech in Stress and Vibration Analysis and ICWA (Cost Accounts). He is also a Fellow member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. He started his career with BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in the company’s High Pressure Boiler Plant (HPBP), Tiruchirappalli, in 1988 and was awarded the Best Engineer Trainee award in 1989.

Ramanathan has 37 years of diverse and extensive experience across many major functions of the company, which include Engineering, Design, R&D, Strategic Management and diverse areas of Operations including Commercial, Materials Management, Maintenance, Production, Field Engineering Services, etc. as well as different core areas of Finance in various capacities across the entire value chain in BHEL’s manufacturing units at Ranipet, Tiruchirappalli and Bhopal.

Prior to this elevation, Ramanathan was Executive Director (OSD - E, R&D) at BHEL’s Corporate Office along with heading the company’s Heavy Electrical Plant (HEP) at Bhopal. Earlier in Nov. ‘23, he was promoted as Executive Director and in-charge of HPBP, Tiruchirappalli and Boiler Auxiliaries Plant, Ranipet and subsequently as ED (HEP) in Jan. ‘24 giving him the unique distinction of heading the top three revenue grossers of the corporation leading to successful turnaround in performance and consistently setting many milestones in the process of growth.

He was instrumental in refining and designing of Hydro Turbines using IT tools and mathematical techniques leading to savings in cost and cycle time. Ramanathan presented many technical papers in Indian and International forums. He had a Turbine patent to his name and has also been awarded the company’s Excel award under the Innovation category.

Ramanathan is known for his dynamic and result-driven leadership, inspiring his team with energy and driving efficiency at all levels. His extensive experience in the initial phase across various functions of BHEL units, including Hydro Turbines, Steam Turbines, Switchgears, FGD & Water Systems, Spares, Outsourcing, Central Planning, Digital Technologies and Finance has equipped him with sharp market insights. This enables him to effectively analyse trends, develop market-ready products and capabilities and contribute to strategic planning. His forward-thinking research-oriented approach will position BHEL to stay competitive and future-ready in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

S. M. Ramanathan, 58, has taken charge as Director (Engineering, Research & Development) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) following his appointment to the company's Board.Ramanathan is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Madras, with an M. Tech in Stress and Vibration Analysis and ICWA (Cost Accounts). He is also a Fellow member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. He started his career with BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in the company’s High Pressure Boiler Plant (HPBP), Tiruchirappalli, in 1988 and was awarded the Best Engineer Trainee award in 1989.Ramanathan has 37 years of diverse and extensive experience across many major functions of the company, which include Engineering, Design, R&D, Strategic Management and diverse areas of Operations including Commercial, Materials Management, Maintenance, Production, Field Engineering Services, etc. as well as different core areas of Finance in various capacities across the entire value chain in BHEL’s manufacturing units at Ranipet, Tiruchirappalli and Bhopal.Prior to this elevation, Ramanathan was Executive Director (OSD - E, R&D) at BHEL’s Corporate Office along with heading the company’s Heavy Electrical Plant (HEP) at Bhopal. Earlier in Nov. ‘23, he was promoted as Executive Director and in-charge of HPBP, Tiruchirappalli and Boiler Auxiliaries Plant, Ranipet and subsequently as ED (HEP) in Jan. ‘24 giving him the unique distinction of heading the top three revenue grossers of the corporation leading to successful turnaround in performance and consistently setting many milestones in the process of growth.He was instrumental in refining and designing of Hydro Turbines using IT tools and mathematical techniques leading to savings in cost and cycle time. Ramanathan presented many technical papers in Indian and International forums. He had a Turbine patent to his name and has also been awarded the company’s Excel award under the Innovation category.Ramanathan is known for his dynamic and result-driven leadership, inspiring his team with energy and driving efficiency at all levels. His extensive experience in the initial phase across various functions of BHEL units, including Hydro Turbines, Steam Turbines, Switchgears, FGD & Water Systems, Spares, Outsourcing, Central Planning, Digital Technologies and Finance has equipped him with sharp market insights. This enables him to effectively analyse trends, develop market-ready products and capabilities and contribute to strategic planning. His forward-thinking research-oriented approach will position BHEL to stay competitive and future-ready in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Real Estate

29 Oct 2025

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..