Balaji Ramanujam : Shaping India's Rise In Global-Grade Engineering
Balaji Ramanujam
Founder & CEO
As the world witnessed more projects, more individuals were empowered, and more challenges showed the untapped potential of the country, his belief was reinforced. The need to achieve the global-level engineering standards, coupled with the desire to enhance the technical capacity of India, is the driving force behind Balaji Ramanujam, Founder & CEO, EDEL Engineering Services.
Balaji is an alumnus of S P Jain School of Global Management with extensive knowledge on project management, business development, international alliances, and massive engineering programs in the areas of nuclear, conventional power, and industries. His experience while managing multidisciplinary teams in the most complex international roles defined his vision for EDEL Engineering Services.
EDEL today provides detailed and review engineering services for Industrial plant engineering (Civil, Structural, Piping, HVAC, Electrical, I&C) and Industrial component design with sophisticated finite element analysis. The company has a separate training division that trains young engineers through formal industry-specific courses, exposure to real live projects and sound career guidance. Balaji is steadfast in his mission to enhance engineering abilities in India, and in the process is preparing the next generation of quality engineering talent through EDEL.
We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Balaji, who takes us through his academic journey and leadership insights.
What have been the most transformative learning experiences during your time at S P Jain School of Global Management?
There are a number of transformative learning experiences that I had during my experience at S P Jain School of Global Management. Among the main ones were the focus on people-centric leadership, systematic marketing through segmentation, targeting & positioning and the principles of effective negotiation. These lessons opened my eyes and pushed me to change my mindset where I became not just a technocrat but a holistic business leader who can scale and lead businesses with clarity and purpose.
What are the major engineering challenges that EPC sector faces today, and how does your company address them?
One of the biggest challenges in today’s EPC landscape is the acute shortage of high-quality engineers and organizations capable of delivering true core engineering. Many projects struggle because fundamental design issues are not addressed at the root, affecting both cost efficiency and longterm reliability.
At EDEL, we have a clear vision: to deliver world class core engineering and professionally managed projects. We focus on strengthening engineering excellence across people, standards, and processes, while embracing advanced tools and innovations. We aim to create a benchmark for quality of engineering design in India and showcase that engineering done right can be competitive and transformational to the industry worldwide.
How do you see the evolution of the Engineering Consultancy Sector? How do you ensure your company stays relevant in the dynamic business landscape?
Globally, the engineering industry has shifted from fragmented, discipline-wise, paper-based workflows to fully integrated digital ecosystems. Projects are now executed in collaborative 3D, 4D, and 5D environments that allow stakeholders to visualize, coordinate, and optimize the project lifecycle. This evolution is driven by advanced digital platforms, simulation tools, and integrated delivery methodo- logies.
In order to stay relevant, we continuously invest in these modern platforms. At EDEL, this means strengthening digital integration, collaborative engi - neering, and tools that enhance accuracy, speed, and project predictability. Our priority is to
Cultivate a big vision — and take consistent steps toward it every day
What are the major engineering challenges that EPC sector faces today, and how does your company address them?
One of the biggest challenges in today’s EPC landscape is the acute shortage of high-quality engineers and organizations capable of delivering true core engineering. Many projects struggle because fundamental design issues are not addressed at the root, affecting both cost efficiency and longterm reliability.
At EDEL, we have a clear vision: to deliver world class core engineering and professionally managed projects. We focus on strengthening engineering excellence across people, standards, and processes, while embracing advanced tools and innovations. We aim to create a benchmark for quality of engineering design in India and showcase that engineering done right can be competitive and transformational to the industry worldwide.
How do you see the evolution of the Engineering Consultancy Sector? How do you ensure your company stays relevant in the dynamic business landscape?
Globally, the engineering industry has shifted from fragmented, discipline-wise, paper-based workflows to fully integrated digital ecosystems. Projects are now executed in collaborative 3D, 4D, and 5D environments that allow stakeholders to visualize, coordinate, and optimize the project lifecycle. This evolution is driven by advanced digital platforms, simulation tools, and integrated delivery methodo- logies.
In order to stay relevant, we continuously invest in these modern platforms. At EDEL, this means strengthening digital integration, collaborative engi - neering, and tools that enhance accuracy, speed, and project predictability. Our priority is to
deliver technology-enabled, globally bench marked engineering solutions that offer maximum value to our customers.
What is your vision for the future of EDEL Engineering Services and the engi -neering consultancy sector?
I foresee a strong rise in demand for engineering consultancy services, driven by the global focus on sustainable infrastructure and the need to improve quality of life, particularly in developing regions. Engineering will remain central to this transformation, and the firms that embrace collaboration and build reliable, multidisciplinary partnerships will succeed.
At EDEL, our vision is to grow as a global engineering services provider. We are clear about the domains in which we will build deep expertise and the areas where we will further strengthen our capabilities. Our goal is two-fold: to be specialists in our core fields and to serve as a strong integrator, bringing together diverse engineering disciplines to deliver comprehensive, high-quality solutions to our clients.
What advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
Although leadership is a lifelong journey and I still have much to learn, my advice to emerging leaders is this: cultivate a big vision and take consistent steps toward it every day. India is at a pivotal stage of growth and needs capable leaders who can drive meaningful transformation.
Powerful leadership is characterized by purpose, accountability and action. When every aspiring leader works to learn and develop on a daily basis, the overall effect may be transformational.
To the future generation: be curious, remain on the ground, and be committed- your contribution to the future of a nation are much more significant than you can imagine.
Balaji Ramanujam, Founder & CEO, EDEL Engineering Services
Balaji accelerates India’s engineering trans -formation by channeling global expertise into high-precision, people-driven solutions that raise industry standards and inspire a new generation of empowered engineering talent.
•Hobbies:Listening to Carnatic and South Indian Soft Music and Making new food.
•Favorite Cuisine:Saute / Tossed Vegetables
•Favorite Book: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt
•Favorite Travel Destination: Matheran, India
What is your vision for the future of EDEL Engineering Services and the engi -neering consultancy sector?
I foresee a strong rise in demand for engineering consultancy services, driven by the global focus on sustainable infrastructure and the need to improve quality of life, particularly in developing regions. Engineering will remain central to this transformation, and the firms that embrace collaboration and build reliable, multidisciplinary partnerships will succeed.
At EDEL, our vision is to grow as a global engineering services provider. We are clear about the domains in which we will build deep expertise and the areas where we will further strengthen our capabilities. Our goal is two-fold: to be specialists in our core fields and to serve as a strong integrator, bringing together diverse engineering disciplines to deliver comprehensive, high-quality solutions to our clients.
What advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
Although leadership is a lifelong journey and I still have much to learn, my advice to emerging leaders is this: cultivate a big vision and take consistent steps toward it every day. India is at a pivotal stage of growth and needs capable leaders who can drive meaningful transformation.
Powerful leadership is characterized by purpose, accountability and action. When every aspiring leader works to learn and develop on a daily basis, the overall effect may be transformational.
To the future generation: be curious, remain on the ground, and be committed- your contribution to the future of a nation are much more significant than you can imagine.
Balaji Ramanujam, Founder & CEO, EDEL Engineering Services
Balaji accelerates India’s engineering trans -formation by channeling global expertise into high-precision, people-driven solutions that raise industry standards and inspire a new generation of empowered engineering talent.
•Hobbies:Listening to Carnatic and South Indian Soft Music and Making new food.
•Favorite Cuisine:Saute / Tossed Vegetables
•Favorite Book: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt
•Favorite Travel Destination: Matheran, India