1979/BT/CE 1981/MT/CE Director, GMR Airports Developers Ltd, India
Shri B.K. Kameswara Rao, an esteemed alumnus of IIT Madras, has made an indelible mark in the field of Infrastructure and Construction Management over a remarkable career spanning more than 44 years. His contributions to the development of global infrastructure, particularly in the airport and hospitality sectors, have set new benchmarks in engineering excellence, sustainability, and project management.
Shri Kameswara Rao has been a driving force in the aviation industry, playing a pivotal role in the development of some of the most significant airport projects worldwide. His association with GMR Group since 2004 has led to the successful execution of multiple high-profile airport projects, including the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad), Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Manohar International Airport (Goa), Bhogapuram International Airport (Visakhapatnam), Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (Nagpur)
and several international ventures in Istanbul, Maldives, Philippines, Greece, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. His leadership and vision have contributed to pioneering advancements in airport infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and passenger experience enhancements.
Under his stewardship, the Hyderabad International Airport became India’s first Greenfield airport under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and achieved global recognition, including the prestigious Airport Service Quality (ASQ) rankings. His contributions to the Delhi International Airport have facilitated its transformation into one of the world’s best airports, achieving Carbon Neutral status and setting new sustainability standards. His expertise in airport planning, construction, and operations has significantly elevated India’s standing in global aviation infrastructure. He has also been a part of the Digital Transformation journey of GMR Airports.
Beyond aviation, Shri Kameswara Rao has been instrumental in the construction of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including Wildflower Hall in Shimla, Amar Vilas in Agra, Raj Vilas in Jaipur, Udai Vilas in Udaipur, and international projects in Mauritius, Turkey, and Istanbul. His extensive experience also spans automotive manufacturing plants, hydroelectric power station in Malaysia, national highways, and large-scale educational institutions, including the prestigious Sultan Qaboos University in Oman.
He has been a speaker at multiple conferences across Europe, Africa, and Asia and a guest speaker at ISB Hyderabad, IIM Lucknow, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, and CEPT Ahmedabad. He serves as an advisory member for IIT Kharagpur School of Infrastructure Design and Management and was honoured with the “Coaching Champion” award by IITMAA in 2023. His contributions to award-winning airport projects
include ACI Best Airport Awards, World Architecture Award, and Golden Peacock Awards. He is a steering committee member and donor for YRF (Young Researchers Forum) and has been actively mentoring students through the CLIC (Career and Life Coaching) initiative since 2020.
His exemplary career serves as an inspiration to future generations of engineers and leaders, demonstrating the impact of visionary leadership, technological foresight, and engineering excellence on the global stage. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to infrastructure development, sustainability, and project management, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and its alumni proudly confer upon Shri B.K. Kameswara Rao, the Distinguished Alumni Award for the year 2025.
