Suparjya swain 
FEATURE: From a young engineer stepping into the corridors of NTPC in 1989 to becoming the Executive Director and Head of Project at one of the country’s most critical power stations—Talcher Kaniha—Mr. Kariveda Narasimha Reddy’s journey is a story of perseverance, expertise, and quiet leadership. Born in Andhra Pradesh and armed with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kakatiya University, Warangal, Mr. Reddy has spent more than three decades immersed in the evolving landscape of India’s power sector. His rise through the ranks has been marked not by flamboyance, but by an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and team-driven growth.
As he takes the helm at Talcher Kaniha, Mr. Reddy brings with him a wealth of experience garnered across NTPC’s major projects—from Kahalgaon to Simhadri, Barh to Faridabad. Yet what truly defines his legacy is not just the technical milestones, but the values he upholds: safety, discipline, innovation, and mentorship. His story is one of building power, both in kilowatts and in people.
On April 30, 2025, Mr. Reddy assumed charge as Executive Director and Head of Project at NTPC Talcher Kaniha, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. His journey with NTPC began on September 5, 1989, as an Executive Trainee in the Mechanical Maintenance Department. Since then, he has held critical roles across NTPC’s key projects, including Kahalgaon, Simhadri, Barh, Rihand, and Faridabad, covering diverse functions such as Operations, Mechanical Maintenance, Project Management, and Planning & Monitoring.
Mr. Reddy’s technical proficiency lies in power plant operations and maintenance, with a special focus on rotating machinery, mills and feeders, and boiler systems. His leadership has consistently promoted safety, efficiency, and reliability across all NTPC installations he has been a part of. But beyond the numbers and technical deliverables, it is his human-centered leadership that has left a lasting mark on those who have worked with him.
Throughout his journey, Mr. Reddy has actively participated in NTPC’s initiatives on learning and development, engaging in training programs on Safety Leadership, Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, and the NTPC Business Excellence Model. His approach to growth has been two-fold: evolving himself while nurturing the potential in others.
Before his current appointment, Mr. Reddy served as Head of Project at NTPC Faridabad. It was here, on January 31, 2024, that he presided over the superannuation felicitation of Mr. Rakesh Khurana, AGM (FQA), a ceremony that began with a symbolic tree plantation—reflecting both NTPC’s ethos and Mr. Reddy’s personal belief in sustainability. His gesture of presenting a superannuation certificate and memento was more than a formal duty—it was an expression of personal respect and camaraderie that defines his leadership style.
As he steps into his new responsibilities at Talcher Kaniha—one of NTPC’s largest and most vital power stations—Mr. Reddy brings with him not just decades of experience, but a leadership philosophy rooted in humility, discipline, and people-centric progress. In his address upon taking charge, he expressed gratitude to NTPC leadership for their trust and support, and reiterated the organization’s vision of delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the nation. “We shall strive to uphold the NTPC vision of powering India’s progress with sustainable energy practices,” he said, in his characteristically grounded manner.
From the very beginning of his career, Mr. Reddy distinguished himself not just through technical acumen but through his ability to inspire teams and lead with calm conviction. His early years, deeply engaged in the intricacies of mechanical systems, were marked by quiet diligence, earning the trust of colleagues and seniors alike. At every station he served—be it during project transitions or operational challenges—his presence became a mark of reliability.
Colleagues often recall his composed approach to crises, his uncompromising focus on safety, and his commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals. He has always fostered an environment where learning and humility walk hand in hand, where leadership is about service, not spotlight.
In a sector driven by numbers, megawatts, and machinery, stories like Mr. Kariveda Narasimha Reddy’s stand out—not for dramatic turns, but for their steady strength. His career is a testament to consistency, growth, and values-driven leadership. As NTPC charts its path through the complexities of India’s energy transition, it finds in Mr. Reddy a seasoned guide—one who embodies both continuity and innovation, and who knows that powering a nation begins with empowering its people.
