Chinta Sasidhar has been the managing director of Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL) since April 1, 2006. The flagship port operation company of the engineering and construction major the Navayuga Group, KPCL is promoted by the Hyderabad-based CVR Group.
Sasidhar’s organisational abilities have helped the Navayuga Group achieve the execution and commissioning of Krishnapatnam port in a record 18 months. The port is being developed in three phases on a build-operate-share-transfer basis for a concession period of 50 years. Currently, the second phase is under way. Under his leadership, KPCL has received various accolades on domestic and global platforms – Port Operator Award Lloyd’s List, 2010, Best Emerging Port, 2012, 12th Sailor Today Sea Shore Award, 2013, the South East Asia Cargo and Logistic Award 2014, among others. He has received the Indian Maritime Businessman of the Year – Maritime Gateway – 2015 for his visionary leadership and for promoting Indian port development to international standards.
Sasidhar, who holds eight positions across Navayuga businesses, has been the driving force behind the group’s foray into urban infrastructure, irrigation projects and port operations. Further, his strong vision has led the Navayuga Group to diversify into the areas of exports, information technology (IT) and geospatial technologies. Under his guidance, the group is planning to develop an industrial smart city adjacent to the port in Nellore district which is estimated to cost about $3 billion. The hub will house power plants and refineries among other units.
Sasidhar is a role model for young engineers as he has successfully integrated the group’s entrepreneurial spirit with professional management based on the foundation of strong values and integrity. His key strength lies in building motivated teams of high potential, high performing people. A civil engineer by profession, he pursued a master’s of science in management from the UK’s University of Bath.
Sasidhar manages the CVR Foundation and leads its initiatives in education, skill promotion, health, safety and environment, community and local economy development. Through the foundation, he has helped a number of children with heart disorders and provided homes to the needy. The founder of the Krishnapatnam Port Golden Eagles Golf Championship that builds sportsmanship and camaraderie among the maritime community, his favourite pastime is playing golf.