From 20+ years in the Military to leadership position in Alstom
Driven by the sense of adventure, I served in the Military in the Indian Navy for 20+ years. The journey started from the gruelling 3 years Training at Naval Academy, the President’s commission in 1994. Went on to serve onboard warship ranging from Frigates, Destroyers, Aircraft Carrier, Missile boats and Corvettes as a combat Officer responsible for Planning and deployment of Surface and Air Defence Weapons. I have been second-in-Command and Commanded a Patrol Boat. Have also been closely associated with ship building Projects at Goa Ship Yard for a Missile Boat and in St-Petersburg Russia for a Stealth Frigate. And in these appointments, developed a passion for Project Management. During the later part of my career have served at the Ministry of Defence as Joint Director for Policy Formulation. Navy also gave me the opportunity to operate and participate in Multi National Joint exercises with 20 + foreign navies giving invaluable lessons on interoperability and jointmanship.
Sport has been an integral part of my life. I try to work hard and play harder. A keen golfer and horse rider, but my passion lies in Yachting/ Windsurfing. Have won championship at various levels during my younger days and been on ocean sailing expedition.
A PMP professional and IIM Ahmedabad Alumini, and driven by a passion for Project Management, joined Alstom in year 2015. It has been an interesting journey, thus far, and I have been associated with Planning, Supply Chain, Change & Configuration, Warranty. Presently, responsible for Locomotive Maintenance Services Operation. Exposure to both Rolling Stock, Services and customer interaction has allowed me to develop a 360 degree perspective of the locomotives business.
In summary there hasn’t been a dull day since I joined Alstom, there hasn't been a day when I haven’t learnt something new and the journey of learning continues……
Head the Locomotive Maintenance Site, having a capacity of 250 e-locos
Elective locomotives is one of the biggest FDI projects. This project is a joint venture between Indian Railways and Alstom, aimed at revolutionising the railway transportation system in India. This project involves the design, manufacture, and delivery of 800 electric locomotives and maintenance at Saharanpur and Nagpur.
The ELOCO WAG 12B locomotives are designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, with the capability to haul freight and passenger trains at high speeds. These locomotives are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including regenerative braking systems.
The ELOCO WAG 12B project is a significant milestone for both Indian Railways and Alstom, as it represents a step towards modernising India's railway transportation system. It also highlights the commitment of both Indian Railways and Alstom towards sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions, which is in line with the Indian government's vision for a green economy.
The ELOCO WAG 12B project is a game-changer for the railway transportation system in India. The project demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships to drive sustainable development and create employment opportunities. It is expected that the WAG 12B locomotives will significantly improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the Indian railways network, thereby benefiting both the economy and the environment.
Nagpur depot is a state-of-art facility that has the capacity to undertake maintenance of 250 Locomotives. This modern facility is a benchmark for the Public Private Partnership model. It is a green site which is zero discharge plant with number of green initiatives. It has state of art technology where the deployment and health of the locomotive fleet is monitored in real time through train to ground communication.
Current role includes the locomotives' maintenance and ensuring both availability & reliability of the fleet. The unique PPP model of Alstom and Indian Railways, brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Overall a very satisfying and enriching experience.
Impact on sustainable mobility and contributing to Nation building
I have been involved with the electric locomotives project since the start. It gives me great pride that I am able to contribute to sustainability and in nation building in whatever small measure possible.
The project has a positive impact on the environment due to reduced carbon emissions as electric locomotives produce significantly fewer emissions than diesel locomotives, reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change. Its overall energy efficiency means that they use less energy to transport the same amount of goods. This translates to lower costs and a more sustainable transportation system. Further, it helps improve air quality, reducing respiratory problems and other health issues.
The project has contributed towards nation building. Firstly, it has created jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, and logistics sectors, contributing to the growth of the Indian economy. Further, the high localisation content has fuelled the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities. The project provides reliable and efficient locomotives, improving transportation infrastructure in India and supporting economic development. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, improving energy security and promoting sustainability.
Overall, the WAG12B electric locomotive project is a significant step towards nation building, promoting economic growth, job creation, and the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities while also contributing to sustainability and energy security, and I take pride in being part of this wonderful journey.
Mantra for success: PPP (Passion, Perseverance and Perspiration)
Success is a subjective concept that can be defined differently by different individuals. However, one thing that is common to succeed is the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. In this context, the mantra for success lies in three words: passion, perseverance, and perspiration.
Passion is the driving force. It is the intense desire and enthusiasm for something that fuels efforts towards achieving goals, which keeps one motivated, focused, and committed to goals. It enables to strive to achieve mission, irrespective of the challenges that come in the way.
Perseverance is the ability to persist despite setbacks and failures. It is also the ability to stay positive and focused, even when the going gets tough. Failure is an essential part of the journey towards success and the willingness to learn from mistakes requires mental and emotional strength.
Perspiration is endeavor that goes into achieving success. Success is not an overnight phenomenon, but the result of dedication, discipline and focus. In summary, it is the inclination to sweat it out to reach goals.
In conclusion, passion, perseverance, and perspiration are the three key ingredients for success and all three are required in equal measure. Passion provides the motivation, perseverance ensures resilience, and perspiration is the propellant that drives.
Operationalization of the Nagpur Site on time
The Nagpur depot was being constructed during the difficult time of COVID. However, despite the challenges of COVID and the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) scenario, the depot was completed and also operationalized on time with careful planning, through 4M: Man, Material, Methods and Machines. The PPP model is unique and one of its kind for Alstom wherein the Technical supervisors are from Alstom and the technicians from Indian Railways. This provides both opportunities and challenges.
The seamless integration of the private and government personnel working towards a common goal of contributing towards Nation Building has been an enriching experience for me and is something that I will always cherish.
