In an age when economies are ruling the world, the power segment forms an important milestone in bolstering growth. And in case of India, it has been identified as a critical area, which could help the nation touch new heights of power and prestige. And empowering the country in this core segment, there is one man RV Shahi, Secretary, ministry of power, who is all pepped-up to deliver the best possible. Known as a man of action, who is always willing to go that extra mile, Shahi carries with him decades of rich experience in power segment.

In fact, prior to joining as secretary, he served as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Bombay Suburban Electric Supply (BSES), which he had joined in 1994. Not only that, he held key positions such as Chairman of the BSES Telecom Limited, BSES Andhra Power Limited, BSES Infrastructure Finance Limited and BSES Kerala Power Private Limited. An Indian Administrative Services official, Shahi has been instrumental in drawing up a massive plan to add around 1,00,000 MW of additional generation capacity, along with the associated transmission and distribution network by the end of 2012.

"This would require an investment of about $ 200 billion and here, foreign investment could be an important source of funding for the ambitious programme," Shahi said in a statement recently. A man, responsible for introducing several innovative projects, Shahi, who has also worked with the Steel Authority of India Limited for over 10 years, has been a vital force in increasing the productivity and profitability of the company.

At the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) where he worked for 16 years, Shahi helped the firm enhance its power generation. And while working as Director (Operations) in-charge of operations, Research and Development during 1991-94, Shahi played a key role in modernising the operations of the NTPC. A member of several committees, including the Maharashtra State Electricity Board for reforms and restructuring and Chairman of Council of Power Utilities, Shahi, despite big challenges ahead, is sure to usher Indian power sector into an age, where self-reliance could be the key word.