BHEL’s Journey from Legacy Power Equipment to India’s Industrial Backbone
BHEL, a Maharatna PSU, pioneers India’s self-reliance in power and industry through decades of innovation, diversification, and strategic growth across energy, defence, and infrastructure sectors.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), one of India’s premier Maharatna Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), has been at the forefront of making India self-reliant in power and industry. Established on November 13, 1964, BHEL was born out of the vision to create a robust domestic heavy electrical equipment industry. With its early collaborations with global leaders from Czechoslovakia, USSR, and the UK, BHEL laid the foundation for India’s indigenous capabilities in high-pressure boilers, steam turbo generators, hydro turbines, and motors.
Strategic Growth Across Decades
From its inception, BHEL has pursued strategic planning, technology acquisition, and market diversification. During the 1970s, BHEL focused on upgrading facilities to manufacture thermal generating sets ranging from 30 MW to 210 MW and hydro plants, while also expanding its overseas footprint with export orders to Malaysia. The creation of a Corporate R&D division in 1977 enabled the company to innovate in nuclear power, alternative energy, and oilfield equipment, strengthening India’s energy security.
In the 1980s, BHEL embraced market orientation and technological advancement. The company expanded its manufacturing base with units for ceramic insulators, industrial valves, boiler auxiliaries, and non-conventional energy products. BHEL also began supplying 500 MW thermal power equipment, demonstrating its capacity to meet large-scale domestic energy needs while enhancing engineering excellence and intellectual property ownership.
The 1990s marked an era of resurgence, ideation, and innovation. Economic liberalization and WTO trade policies pushed BHEL to enhance international competitiveness, develop in-house capabilities, expand exports, and enter new business domains such as defence, telecom, wind energy, and superconductivity. BHEL became the first public sector company in India to secure ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certifications, ensuring world-class standards.
Modern Era: Atmanirbhar Bharat and Diversification
Today, BHEL aligns closely with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, focusing on indigenization and ecosystem development in power, defence, aerospace, urban mobility, and rail transportation. The company has shifted from a revenue-centric approach to a project-centric operational model, achieving record order bookings, efficient project closures, and strengthened financial management.
BHEL is also preparing for future opportunities in emerging energy technologies, including the hydrogen value chain, carbon capture, and coal gasification using high-ash Indian coal. Its strategy emphasizes creating a strong order book pipeline, expanding market share in traditional sectors, and establishing footholds in new industries.
Maharatna PSU Excellence
As a Maharatna PSU, BHEL continues to leverage its technological prowess, engineering expertise, and manufacturing capacity to power India’s growth. With decades of experience in thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable energy projects, the company remains committed to making India self-reliant, innovative, and globally competitive.