Karnataka, Mar 9: In a historic move for India’s nuclear energy sector, RM Nachammai has become the first woman to lead the operations of a functional nuclear power plant under the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

Nachammai has been appointed Chief Superintendent of Units 3 and 4 at the Kaiga Generating Station in Karnataka, a role effective from March 15. In this position, she will oversee operations, maintenance, and engineering support for the reactor units, one of the most challenging responsibilities within India’s nuclear power ecosystem.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for NPCIL and India’s broader clean energy goals. The country aims to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047, and Nachammai’s leadership symbolizes the growing role of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Among NPCIL’s workforce of around 10,000 employees, women account for approximately 900 personnel, highlighting the ongoing gender gap.

Nachammai brings over 35 years of experience in nuclear power plant operations. A graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Madras in 1990, she joined NPCIL in 1991 and received the prestigious Vikram Sarabhai Award for topping her batch of engineer trainees.

Throughout her career, she has held key positions at the Madras Atomic Power Station and Kaiga Units 1 and 2, earning multiple recognitions, including the NPCIL Special Contribution Award in 2010, 2014, and 2017. Beyond operations, Nachammai has actively promoted nuclear safety awareness, representing NPCIL at national and international forums.

The Kaiga Nuclear Power Station currently operates four Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors of 220 MWe each, totaling 880 MW. With units 5 and 6 under development, the station’s capacity is expected to rise to 2,280 MW, further bolstering India’s clean energy infrastructure.