In a significant development in India’s power sector leadership, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Mr. Bhupender Gupta for the prestigious role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NHPC Limited. The announcement came following a selection meeting held by the PESB panel on June 11, 2025.
Mr. Gupta is presently serving as Director (Technical) at THDC India Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Power. With over three decades of extensive experience in the power sector, he is widely recognised for his technical acumen and leadership capabilities, particularly in hydropower and transmission projects.
The selection process involved nine senior professionals from various esteemed organisations competing for the top position at NHPC. Candidates were drawn from NHPC Limited, THDC India Limited, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, BSNL Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, and the Indian Railways Accounts Service. After a rigorous evaluation, the PESB panel found Mr. Gupta best suited to lead NHPC into its next phase of growth and development.
An alumnus of a premier engineering institute, Mr. Gupta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management. Throughout his 33-year-long career, he has held several critical roles in major public sector enterprises, including SJVN Limited, REC Limited, and most recently, THDC India Limited.
Before his current tenure at THDC, Mr. Gupta served as Director (Technical) at the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority in Bhutan. His prior assignments at REC included senior leadership roles such as Additional Chief Executive Officer in its subsidiaries REC Transmission Projects Company Ltd. and REC Power Distribution Company Ltd., where he was instrumental in the execution and management of power infrastructure projects.
One of the hallmarks of Mr. Gupta’s career was his contribution to the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Plant project during his time at SJVN Limited. His responsibilities included the planning, erection, and commissioning of electro-mechanical systems for the 1500 MW plant—India’s largest operational hydropower facility to date.
Under his leadership, THDC India Limited has seen notable strides in project execution and technical development. His deep expertise in project planning, execution, contract management, and operations is expected to bring a robust and strategic approach to NHPC’s initiatives.
The formal appointment of Mr. Gupta as CMD of NHPC Limited will be subject to further approvals and procedural clearances by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
NHPC Limited, a Miniratna Category-I enterprise under the Ministry of Power, plays a key role in India’s hydropower development and renewable energy goals. With Mr. Gupta’s leadership, the organisation is expected to bolster its capabilities in sustainable power generation and project delivery across the country.