Anil Kumar Rao brings to the table over three decades of experience in the implementation, operation and management of infrastructure projects. At present, he is director (technical) and whole-time board member of PNC Infratech Limited. Besides, Rao is also a life member of the Indian Roads Congress, the Institution of Engineers, and the Indian Council of Arbitration.
Having joined PNC Infratech almost two decades ago (in 1999), Rao is currently handling the company’s highway, bridges, airport and rail track construction projects, which are in various stages of implementation and have an aggregate contract value of over Rs 100 billion. He oversees and controls end-to-end project implementation activities which include planning, design, detailed engineering, costing, construction and contract administration. Amidst challenging conditions, Rao’s astute project planning and execution proficiency has helped PNC Infratech in the timely delivery of several projects.
Rao believes that given the inadequate infrastructure and the tremendous thrust by the incumbent central and state governments for fast tracking infrastructure development, there are enormous opportunities for investors, developers, and construction, engineering, design and project management firms in this space.
Prior to joining PNC Infratech, Rao has worked with Progressive Constructions, Galfar Engineering and Contracting (Oman), IRCON International, and Somdatt Builders in various senior positions. He has also worked on overseas infrastructure projects. With extensive experience in techno-legal matters in the infrastructure space including mediation, conciliation, arbitration and litigation, he has handled more than 20 major arbitration matters involving over Rs 10 billion in claims and counterclaims.
Though Rao is cheerful by nature, the vagaries of professional pressures hide his personality from many. Rao has a bachelor’s in civil engineering from GSITS, Indore, and a master’s in civil engineering with a specialisation in construction technology and management from MITS, Gwalior. He is presently pursuing an LLB degree from Meerut University.
Despite his hectic schedule, Rao regularly practises yoga and pranayama and goes for walks. Passionate about both classical and light music, he is also an avid reader. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is among his favourite books. His wife is a homemaker and they have two daughters.