Your inspiration to pursue engineering and the drive behind choosing structural consulting.
My entry into civil engineering was neither by chance nor by choice — it was superimposed on me. Initially pursuing mechanical engineering, I sought college admissions when a secretary to the governor advised me that civil engineering had greater scope, predicting India’s significant infrastructure growth from 1975 onward. Taking his advice, I enrolled in UBC College, studying from 1970 to 1975. After graduation, I discovered an expert structural steel consultant, Late BN Sridhara, who had returned from the US and operated a consultancy just above my house. He introduced me to steel structures, and as I worked on fabrication and shop drawings, my interest evolved into a passion. This led me to work in Delhi and Chennai, designing steel structures for sugar, cement, and steel plants.
India’s growth was gradual from 1975 to 1990 but accelerated post-1996 under PV Narasimha Rao’s liberalisation policies. The next decade saw unprecedented industrialisation, IT expansion, and infrastructure development, with steel production surging due to companies like Jindal and Tata. The emergence of PEB addressed modern construction demands, and the need for innovative structures, multi-level car parks, and high-rise buildings grew exponentially. As global interest in India’s growth intensified, I became deeply committed to contributing to nation-building through structural engineering.
Highlight key milestones from your journey as a student to becoming an accomplished professional.
As a student, my exposure was limited, but once I started practising, my perspective changed entirely. With new institutions and challenges constantly emerging, opportunities for learning and growth expanded. After graduating, I began working in a consultancy firm, which opened doors for me to design fertiliser plants, marking a significant milestone. I designed the Batinda fertiliser plant and the Raebareli sugar plant, along with several substation structures for Crompton, Greaves and Siemens. My experience grew as I worked on exhibition structures, trade fair pavilions, and crane girders, eventually leading me to establish my own practice in 1983.
One of my early landmark projects was designing the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Cuttack, a 68 m span structure. My career further progressed when I was invited to Sweden to design the Volvo bus plant in Bengaluru, one of the largest factories of its time, worth 28 crore in 1998. I also designed the Parle-Biscuits factory, the Vakil Square building near the Airtel office on Jaidava-Panarkatta Road, and various meditation centres, convention centres, college buildings, amphitheatres, auditoriums and kalyan mandapams. My expertise extended to large industrial structures, including steel plants, cement plants, textile plants, garment industries, and food processing units. Over the years, my profession has allowed me to contribute significantly to the design and development of major buildings and infrastructure projects.
Elaborate on the key challenges you’ve faced as a structural consultant and how you overcame them.
My specialisation lies in designing large-span structures, ensuring they are safe and stable. I work on factory buildings with spans of 50 m to 60 m, which present unique engineering challenges. To tackle these, I constantly refer back to my IS codes, following fundamental design principles and staying updated with the latest textbooks. Any faulty design or miscalculation could lead to structural failure, making me fully responsible for any collapse. This inherent risk drives me to stay informed about industry advancements, regularly reading technical magazines and studying evolving design techniques. With clients investing crores and placing their trust in me, it is essential to continuously equip myself with the latest knowledge and best practices to deliver reliable, structurally sound solutions.
How do you view the evolution of steel structures in India?
For years, construction relied heavily on RCC columns, beams, and structures, but today, speed is key. Steel has become the preferred choice as it enables faster construction, especially in remote areas where accessing and pouring concrete is difficult. For example, in the case of a hospital, prefabricated steel buildings can be assembled on-site, significantly reducing construction time. This trend is gaining traction in Bengaluru and across India. Additionally, composite construction — combining steel beams with concrete slabs — once common in London, is now becoming prevalent in India. The rise of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) further accelerates this shift, while developers focus on cost optimisation and eco-friendly solutions. With these advancements, the industry is rapidly embracing faster, more sustainable construction methods.
If you could introduce one transformative change to construction?
A key industry shift would be offering larger tubes beyond Tata’s range and improving India’s substandard roof sheets to match global standards. Better roofing elements, inspired by international designs, and innovation in skylighting are essential, especially with expanding airports. With many materials still imported, advanced local facilities would enhance global competitiveness.
Modern architecture demands extensive glazing, glass, and aluminium elements, all supported by steel structures to create visually dynamic and structurally robust buildings with intricate cladding and striking features.
Describe how steel has shaped your career and design approach.
Steel is a highly adaptable and structurally efficient material with excellent sectional properties, making it ideal for construction. Its flexibility simplifies the erection process in multi-storey buildings, as beams and columns can be easily lifted and assembled without extensive shuttering, scaffolding, or formwork, unlike concrete. This adaptability allows for the creation of structural systems that support floors in tall buildings and large spans in industrial structures. Historically, steel has been widely used in bridges for over a century, and the same principles have extended to modern multi-storey and factory buildings. Available in various forms such as I-sections, angles, channels, and tubes, steel enables the design of large-span structures like cricket stadiums, seminar halls, swimming pool roofs, and convention centres. In a nutshell, due to its lightweight nature and strong sectional properties, steel contributes significantly to structural strength and remains widely accepted in construction.
Your favourite steel project so far and what makes it so special?
I’m currently working on two major skywalk projects in Hyderabad. The first, Uppal’s Skywalk, was designed for the busy Uppal Junction at the request of the Hyderabad Metro Development Authority (HMDA). After investing significant time and effort, it has turned out exceptionally well and is now visible in the city, strengthening my portfolio and bringing in more projects. My latest design is for Mehdipatnam, featuring a unique shape with special V-shaped columns and beams.
What advice do you have for young engineers aiming to excel in structural engineering?
Young engineers must study the latest IS 800 code, past versions like the 2000 code, and international standards such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). They should work under experienced mentors, understand joint details in welding and bolting, and engage with steel institutes for guidance. While software like AI-based tools, Stardust, and Tekla are valuable, they must also grasp fundamental engineering principles as practised before digital tools. A strong foundation in textbooks, consultancy experience, and industry standards will help them blend traditional knowledge with modern advancements for a well-rounded approach.
Quick Fire:
Your College: University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Bengaluru
Years of Experience: 50 years
Your Mentor/idol: Late BN Sridhara
Your mantra for success: Keep dreaming, be passionate
You want to be remembered as: Steel Surya Narayan
Steel Projects you are currently working on: Mehdipatnam Skywalk, Hyderabad
