Munish Sood
Mandi
In a moment of immense pride for Himachal Pradesh, particularly Mandi district, noted power sector technocrat and Chairman & Managing Director of NHPC Limited, Bhupender Gupta, represented India at the prestigious India–Norway Business and Research Summit held at the historic Oslo City Hall in Norway.
Gupta was part of the high-level Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit attended by the Prime Ministers of India and Norway. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and global stakeholders to deliberate on strategic sectors including clean energy, hydropower, green growth, food security, fertilizers, fisheries, shipbuilding and technological research collaboration.
His participation at the international summit is being seen as recognition of India’s expanding leadership in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development, with NHPC emerging as a key institution driving the country’s clean energy transition.
For Mandi and Himachal Pradesh, Gupta’s presence on the global platform carries special significance. An alumnus of the historic Bijay High School, Mandi, Bhupender Gupta has risen through the ranks of India’s power sector through a distinguished professional journey spanning more than three decades. His achievement is being celebrated across the region as an inspiration for aspiring engineers, professionals and youth from the hill state.
An electrical engineer with an MBA in Operations Management, Gupta assumed charge as CMD of NHPC in September 2025. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has held key leadership positions in major public sector enterprises including SJVN Limited, REC Limited and THDC India Limited, contributing significantly to India’s hydroelectric, thermal, transmission and renewable energy sectors.
He played an instrumental role in the planning, commissioning and operations of several landmark projects, including the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station — India’s largest operational hydroelectric project — besides the Tala Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan, the Khurja Super Thermal Power Project and the Tehri Pumped Storage Project.
Industry experts credit Gupta with combining technical expertise, project management capabilities and strategic vision in steering critical energy infrastructure initiatives. Under his leadership, NHPC has accelerated progress on several major hydroelectric projects, including the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, one of India’s most significant clean energy ventures. He is also currently holding the additional charge of CMD of SJVN Limited.
Coming from a family deeply associated with the energy sector and public service, Gupta’s father, former Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board member A.S. Gupta, also served the power sector with distinction.
Prominent citizens, engineers, academicians and social organisations from Mandi have congratulated Bhupender Gupta on his participation in the global summit, describing it as a proud moment not only for the district but for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.
His presence at the India–Norway summit reflects the growing contribution of professionals from Himachal Pradesh in shaping India’s global clean energy strategy and strengthening international cooperation in the sustainable development sector.
