The newly appointed CMD brings nearly three decades of experience in finance, power and infrastructure, as NLC India explores major projects in Odisha spanning thermal power, mineral processing and coal gasification.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Finance and Infrastructure
Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of NLC India Limited, is leading the Navratna public sector enterprise into a new phase of expansion, with a renewed focus on power generation, mining, infrastructure and long-term energy security.
Dr. Acharya assumed charge as CMD on September 17, 2026, following his tenure as Director (Finance) at NLC India. His appointment is for five years, subject to the terms and conditions determined by the Government of India.
With nearly three decades of professional experience across the power, mining and infrastructure sectors, he has held important positions in organisations including GRIDCO, NTPC and Tata Power. His experience combines financial management, strategic planning, corporate governance and the oversight of large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
From Financial Management to Corporate Leadership
Before becoming CMD, Dr. Acharya served as Director (Finance) and Chief Financial Officer of NLC India. During his tenure, he contributed to digital transformation and governance reforms, including enterprise resource planning modernisation, centralisation of finance functions, the adoption of AI-enabled systems and the introduction of a Vendor Invoice Management System.
His professional background also includes supporting initiatives related to coal and critical mineral block acquisitions, renewable energy projects and joint ventures with state utilities.
As CMD, Dr. Acharya takes charge of an organisation pursuing an ambitious growth roadmap, with targets of more than 20 GW of power generation capacity and over 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of mining capacity by 2030.
NLC India Signs Three MoUs With Odisha
One of the most significant recent developments involving NLC India is its proposed investment programme in Odisha.
On October 22, 2026, NLC India signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL). The agreements outline potential projects across thermal power generation, beach sand mineral processing and coal gasification for fertiliser production.
The proposed initiatives represent a potential investment of approximately ₹37,000 crore, based on the announced estimates for the power and mineral-processing projects.
₹35,000 Crore Thermal Power Project
The largest proposal is a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical coal-based thermal power plant, planned with four units of 800 MW each.
NLC India has estimated an investment of ₹35,000 crore for the project. The company expects it could generate approximately 4,000 jobs, creating opportunities across construction, engineering, operations and supporting services.
The proposed plant could also strengthen Odisha’s power infrastructure and support the electricity requirements of the state’s expanding industrial sector.
₹2,000 Crore Beach Sand Mineral Processing Facility
The second MoU proposes a beach sand mineral processing facility, with a tentative investment of ₹2,000 crore.
The facility is expected to create around 500 jobs. Mineral processing can support industries that use specialised minerals in applications ranging from pigments and ceramics to advanced industrial materials.
The project’s final location, capacity and implementation schedule have not yet been established in the reported announcement.
Exploring Coal Gasification for Fertiliser Production
The third agreement concerns a feasibility study to explore coal gasification and the production of synthesis gas, commonly known as syngas, for use in the fertiliser sector.
Coal gasification converts coal into a gas mixture that can serve as a feedstock for chemicals and fertiliser manufacturing. The proposal could create opportunities to connect Odisha’s mineral resources with downstream industrial production.
However, the investment amount and implementation details for this proposal have not yet been announced.
What the Developments Could Mean for Odisha
The proposed projects reflect the potential for greater cooperation between NLC India and Odisha’s industrial development ecosystem.
If implemented, they could support employment generation, power infrastructure, mineral-based manufacturing and the development of associated supply chains. Local contractors, engineering companies, logistics providers and technical professionals could also find opportunities as the projects progress.
At the same time, the MoUs represent proposed investments rather than completed projects. Their actual economic impact will depend on subsequent feasibility assessments, approvals, project planning and execution.
For Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya, the new leadership role comes at a time when NLC India is pursuing expansion across conventional power, mining and renewable energy while also exploring opportunities in emerging industrial applications.
The company’s proposed Odisha investments place additional focus on the state’s role in India’s energy and industrial development. The coming stages of project evaluation and implementation will determine how these proposals translate into investment, employment and infrastructure on the ground.
As NLC India advances its long-term growth ambitions, Dr. Acharya’s experience in finance, governance and infrastructure will form part of the leadership framework guiding the company’s next phase.
