About Nirmal Singh
A Visionary Leader in India’s Hydropower Engineering & Project Execution
Shri Nirmal Singh is a highly respected engineering and project execution leader who has served for over 33 years with NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower organization. Throughout his remarkable career, he has played a pivotal role in delivering some of the nation’s most challenging and strategically crucial hydroelectric power projects.
Recognized for his exceptional leadership, commitment to engineering excellence and unwavering dedication, he led the successful commissioning of the 800 MW Parvati-II Hydroelectric Project—a historic achievement marked by the completion of India’s longest 32-kilometer underground Head Race Tunnel (HRT), overcoming extreme Himalayan geological and environmental challenges. This landmark accomplishment earned him national recognition, including an honour from the Hon’ble Power Minister of India. He has been actively involved in contract resolution and Arbitration handling across multiple mega hydroelectric projects.
Today, he continues to remain a respected figure in the hydropower sector, admired for his strategic vision, field expertise, and legacy of excellence.
Education & Professional Qualifications
Strong Academic Foundation & Specialized Technical Expertise
Shri Nirmal Singh has built a strong academic and professional foundation that complements his extensive experience in hydroelectric project execution and leadership. With qualifications in Civil Engineering, Management, Arbitration Law, and Commercial Arbitration, he possesses a rare combination of technical, administrative, legal, and dispute resolution capabilities.
Diploma in Management
IGNOU — 1996
Bachelor of Engineering – Civil Engineering
Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu — 1988
PG Diploma in Arbitration Law
National Law School of India University, Bengaluru — 2025
33+ Years of Distinguished Service in NHPC Limited
Throughout his exemplary three-decade journey with NHPC Limited, Shri Nirmal Singh has successfully led the execution of some of India’s most challenging hydroelectric power projects, rising from Engineer to the prestigious position of Executive Director.
Engineer to Senior Manager (Civil) - NHPC
Aug 1991 – May 2012
Remained associated with the execution of major hydropower projects, including Chamera-I (540 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW), Kurichu Bhutan (45 MW), Parbati-II (800 MW), and Chutak (44 MW) after covering Dam construction, Tunneling, and Technical operations.
Chief Engineer
May 2012 – Dec 2016
General Manager
Jan 2017 – Feb 2022
Head of Dulhasti Power Station & Parbati-II Projects; contract management & dispute resolution.
Group General Manager
Feb 2022 – Aug 2023
Executive Director
Sep 2023 – Jun 2025
Head of Chandigarh Region managing five major hydroelectric projects/power stations —Parbati-II (800 MW), Parbati-III (520 MW), Tanakpur (120 MW), Dhauli Ganga (280 MW), and Dugar (500 MW). Led commissioning of 800 MW Parbati-II HEP and completion of India’s longest 31.56 km HRT Tunnel.
Area of Specialization
Technical Operation
Execution of Hydro Projects in general, and Civil and Hydro Mechanical works / Structure in particular — including planning, execution, and commissioning of Hydro Projects.
Devised construction methodologies, resource and equipment planning as per construction schedule.
Executed/played a key role in:
- Infrastructure works of Chamera1and Dulhati H.E Projects.
- Dam, Powerhouse and Tunnel construction works at Kurichu, Parvati-II and Parbati-III H.E Projects.
- Hydromechanical works at Parbati-II H.E Project.
- Operation of Parbati-III,Dulhasti,Dhauliganga and Tanakpur Power stations.
- Investigation of Dulhasti-II and Duggar H.E Projects
Handled major contracts including amicable dispute resolution and arbitration matters, delegating responsibilities enabling timely commissioning of projects.
Management
Dispute Resolution
Leadership & Projects
Shri Nirmal Singh has successfully led and contributed to the execution of several high-impact hydroelectric power projects across India, transforming engineering challenges into national achievements. His extensive field leadership, technical excellence, and strategic project management have played a critical role in delivering major hydropower assets that strengthen India’s clean energy infrastructure—most notably the 800 MW Parvati-II Hydroelectric Project featuring India’s longest 31.56 KM Head Race Tunnel (HRT).
Certifications
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