8 months ago
Sreekumar Pillai appointed new IGCAR Director
Sreekumar G Pillai has taken over as the new Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam.
He replaces C G Karhadkar, who retired at the end of December 2025.
Pillai has a lot of experience in nuclear research, having worked for 35 years at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.
He has expertise in areas like spent fuel reprocessing, radioactive waste management, and project management.
His work has been important for India’s plans to use more nuclear power.
Pillai has led big projects and made sure they were completed on time and within budget.
He is known for his contributions to the design and operation of nuclear facilities.
His appointment is expected to help IGCAR focus more on advanced nuclear research.
Sreekumar G Pillai assumed charge as the new Director of IGCAR on January 1, 2026.
He succeeds C G Karhadkar, who retired on December 31, 2025.
Pillai has 35 years of experience in nuclear research, including roles at BARC.
His expertise includes spent fuel reprocessing, radioactive waste management, and project management.
He has led key projects and contributed to India’s nuclear power goals.
- Who
- Sreekumar G Pillai
- What
- Appointed as the new Director of IGCAR
- Where
- Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
- When
- January 1, 2026
- Why
- To strengthen IGCAR’s focus on advanced nuclear research and align with India’s atomic energy goals
Key facts
- Name
- Sreekumar G Pillai
- Previous Role
- Deputy Chief Executive, Nuclear Recycle Board, BARC
- Education
- B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Calicut University
- Experience
- 35 years in nuclear research and operations
- Key Expertise
- Spent fuel reprocessing, radioactive waste management, back-end fuel cycle operations
- Organization
- Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
- Location
- Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
- Predecessor
- C G Karhadkar
Quotes
Official Release
Official statement from the organization
“His contributions were central to the national objective of transitioning towards commercial deployment of second-stage nuclear power plants, by design; construction, commissioning & operation of recycle plants. He established robust financial monitoring mechanisms for high-value projects to ensure cost control.”
theprint.in
“He brings over three decades of experience in spent fuel reprocessing, radioactive waste management, back-end fuel cycle operations, project management, procurement, safety assessments, and regulatory compliance.”
theprint.in
Sources
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