Appellate Tribunal For Electricity

Hon’ble Dr. Ashutosh Karnatak joined the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Govt. of India as Technical Member (Petroleum & Natural Gas) on 22nd May 2020. Prior to taking over this assignment, Dr. Karnatak was the Director (Projects) in GAIL India Limited. Born on 07th June 1960, Dr. Karnatak, is an Electrical Engineering alumni of HBTI, Kanpur, a post graduate from IIT, Delhi and a Fellow Doctorate of UPES, Dehradun. He headed the Maharatna PSU –GAIL (India) Limited’s project execution and O&M function as Director (Projects) for last 6 years since 01.03.2014 and also served as C&MD of the organization from 01.08.2019 to 14.02.2020.

 As C&MD GAIL, he handled portfolio in various Business segments as Natural Gas, Liquid Hydrocarbon, LPG transmission, Petrochemicals, City Gas Distribution and E&P and executed Projects in diverse fields – Gas Pipelines, LNG Terminal, Gas Processing Plants (LPG & Petrochemical Plants), Renewable Energy (Wind and Solar) etc. With his involvement in all stages of Project Execution i.e. “Conceptualization” to “Close-Out” & expertise in Contract Management, Conflict resolution, Negotiation and innovative Project monitoring techniques, he developed the Vision of completing projects within time & cost, 100% quality & safety and 0% dispute.

 In his illustrious career spanning 38 years, he has been involved in execution of pipeline projects more than 11000 km and CGD connectivity in 6 Cities. His Operation & Maintenance (O&M) experience includes handling Natural gas Pipeline network of more than 12000 Km, LPG Pipeline network more than 2000 Km, 06 Nos. Gas Processing Units and C2-C3 Recovery plant. During his tenure, more than 12000 Contracts were executed. He Conceptualized and developed India’s first CNG System in Mumbai and played a key role in conversion of Auto Rickshaw to CNG fuel for the first time in India. He was the Coordinator for India’s first CNG Car Rally in Mumbai. Besides above, he has also handled non-conventional Energy projects like Wind (100 MW) and Solar (5 MW).

 A progressive leader, he spearheaded adoption of new technologies and System improvement through a “Digital Yatra” and also been actively involved in selection of new technologies, materials and collaboration with National and International Institutions/ Organizations. An active promotor of Governance & “Zero Dispute” in his professional career, he developed a “Predictive Dispute Resolution Mechanism” to resolve seemingly impossible situations/ disputes. Further, introduced concepts like Quarterly closure, Health monitoring of contracts in an effort towards zero dispute and Conflict Resolution. He has a rich experience in handling high stake “Arbitration & Legal Disputes”, Grievance redressal of Stakeholders and in Negotiation and Crisis Management.

 He was the Chairperson of Centre of Excellence for Governance, Ethics and Transparency (CEGET) at United Nation’s Global Compact Network, was associated with International Project Management Association (IPMA), Switzerland as Member of ‘Education & Training Board’ and as an ‘Industrial Member’ in CBSE Committee involved in introducing ‘Project Management’ as an academic curriculum. Currently, he is a Member, Planning Board in Uttarakhand Open University.

 In recognition to outstanding contribution in combating corrosion issues in pipelines, and generating awareness in the industry, NACE International, USA awarded prestigious “Presidential Award” for the first time to any Indian National in the history of 75 Years of NACE International. Amongst other accolades, he received Achievement Award (Trophy and Certificate) for Public Officer under Vishwakarma Award 2017 during 21st Annual function of CIDC (Construction Industry Development Council), on 7th March, 2017. He has been felicitated Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award from HBTI Kanpur, Double Helical National Health Award in 2018, ‘Most Admired Leader’ award by FEIL & IIPA and ‘Positive Personality’ award by Brain Behaviour Research Organization.

 He has proactivity in speaking and writing and has authored seven books like “Asian Gas Grid – A Critical analysis of its feasibility”, “Project Management of Hydrocarbon Pipelines – A Journey”, “Words have Power”, “आप सफल कैसे हों”, “Yes You Can” and more recently a book titled “Transformation through ‘Thinking’ Positive”. Besides this, he has an avid interest in astrology and has also authored a Hindi book named “अपनी पर्सनेलिटी को पहचाने”. He has been actively spearheading the mission PI-CI-PI (“Positive India – Competent India – Projectized India”) to enable and motivate every person to realize their dormant potential and be a Winner.