Mumbai, March 10: In a significant milestone for gender representation in the nuclear sector, R. M. Natchammai has been appointed as the first female Chief Superintendent of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). This appointment was announced on March 9, and she is set to assume her role at the Kaiga Generating Station Units 3 and 4 in Karnataka starting March 15.
Natchammai brings over 35 years of experience in nuclear plant operations. She joined NPCIL in 1991 and was recognized with the Vikram Sarabhai Award for topping her engineering trainee batch. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the operation, maintenance, and engineering support of the nuclear reactor complex.
Natchammai holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Madras, where she was also a top performer. The Kaiga Nuclear Power Station, one of India’s key nuclear facilities, currently operates four 220 MW pressurized reactors with a total installed capacity of 880 MW. India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
This appointment marks a progressive step for women in the field of nuclear energy, showcasing the growing opportunities for female professionals in traditionally male-dominated sectors.