In the dynamic world of India’s infrastructure and real estate, where innovation meets nation-building, Reshma Dudani stands as a beacon of leadership and resilience. As the Senior Executive Director (Engineering) at NBCC (India) Limited, a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Reshma has carved a niche as a visionary in the construction sector. Her journey from a young engineer with a passion for excellence to a celebrated leader shaping India’s urban landscape is a story of determination, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development. Recognized with prestigious accolades like the NAREDCO Mahi Women Achievers Award in June 2025 and the Construction Times Builders Award in 2017, Reshma’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and building dreams.
Early Life: A Foundation Built on Ambition
Born in a middle-class family in New Delhi, Reshma Dudani grew up in an environment that valued education and hard work. From an early age, she displayed a curiosity for how things were built whether it was marveling at the towering structures of the capital city or tinkering with small projects at home. Her parents, both educators, nurtured her inquisitive mind, encouraging her to pursue her dreams in a male-dominated field like engineering.
Reshma excelled academically, securing a degree in Civil Engineering from one of India’s premier institutes. Her college years were marked by a relentless drive to understand the intricacies of structural design and construction management. She often spent late nights poring over blueprints and studying sustainable building practices, a foreshadowing of the innovative approach she would later bring to NBCC. Her professors recall her as a student who combined technical brilliance with a knack for problem-solving, qualities that would propel her to the forefront of India’s construction industry.
Entering NBCC: The Start of a Stellar Career
Reshma’s professional journey began when she joined NBCC (India) Limited, a public sector giant founded in 1960 and headquartered in New Delhi. NBCC, known for its work in Project Management Consultancy (PMC), Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC), and Real Estate Development, offered Reshma a platform to transform her passion into impact. Starting as a junior engineer, she quickly distinguished herself with her meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects under tight deadlines.
Her early assignments involved working on government redevelopment projects, a core pillar of NBCC’s mission. From modernizing aging infrastructure to executing civil construction for national security projects, Reshma tackled each task with a blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Her ability to navigate bureaucratic challenges while ensuring project quality earned her the respect of her peers and superiors alike.
Rising Through the Ranks: Leadership in Action
Reshma’s ascent within NBCC was nothing short of meteoric. Her work ethic, coupled with her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, saw her rise to the role of Chief General Manager (Real Estate Management & Development) by 2017. In this capacity, she spearheaded high-profile projects, including residential and commercial developments that aligned with India’s vision of smart, sustainable cities. Her leadership in these projects earned her the Construction Times Builders Award 2017 under the “Construction Woman of the Year” category, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the industry. The award, presented by Member of Parliament Shri Rahul Shewale and Maharashtra’s Minister of State Shri Vijay Shivtare, celebrated her role in advancing real estate innovation.
By June 2025, Reshma had been elevated to Senior Executive Director (Engineering), a role that placed her at the helm of NBCC’s engineering and consultancy efforts. Her leadership has been pivotal in securing and executing projects worth billions, contributing to NBCC’s robust order book of Rs. 85,000 crore. From redeveloping government properties to overseeing infrastructure projects under initiatives like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), Reshma’s vision has shaped skylines across India and beyond, with NBCC’s footprint extending to countries like Maldives, Mauritius, and Oman.
A Champion of Sustainability and Innovation
Reshma’s approach to construction is rooted in sustainability and innovation. At a time when climate change poses unprecedented challenges, she has championed eco-friendly practices, integrating green building technologies into NBCC’s projects. Whether it’s incorporating energy-efficient designs or promoting the use of sustainable materials, Reshma ensures that every project aligns with global environmental standards. Her work on the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan for the India Trade Promotion Organisation exemplifies this commitment, blending modern aesthetics with sustainable functionality.
Her innovative mindset also extends to leveraging technology. Reshma has been a driving force behind NBCC’s adoption of advanced tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance project efficiency. These efforts have not only streamlined operations but also positioned NBCC as a leader in the global construction sector.
Breaking Barriers: A Woman in Leadership
In an industry historically dominated by men, Reshma Dudani’s rise to Senior Executive Director is a powerful statement. Her journey has not been without challenges skepticism, stereotypes, and the pressure to prove herself in high-stakes environments. Yet, Reshma has met every obstacle with resilience, turning challenges into opportunities to showcase her expertise. Her leadership style is inclusive and collaborative, fostering a culture where diverse perspectives drive innovation.
Her contributions to empowering women in construction were recognized at the 4th Mahi Real Estate Convention in June 2025, where she received the NAREDCO Mahi Women Achievers Award. Posts on X from NBCC and PSU Connect celebrated her achievement, highlighting her as a role model for women in leadership. This accolade underscored her influence not just within NBCC but across the broader construction and real estate sectors, inspiring countless women to pursue careers in STEM and leadership roles.
Personal Life: Balancing Passion and Purpose
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Reshma is a woman of depth and warmth. Colleagues describe her as approachable yet authoritative, someone who commands respect without demanding it. In her rare moments of downtime, she enjoys reading about architectural history and mentoring young engineers, particularly women, encouraging them to break into the industry. Her family her husband and two children provide her with unwavering support, sharing her pride in her contributions to nation-building.
Reshma’s office at NBCC Bhawan, Lodhi Road, is a reflection of her personality: organized, forward-thinking, and adorned with models of iconic projects she’s led. A framed quote by architect Frank Lloyd Wright “The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before” sits on her desk, a constant reminder of her mission.
Legacy and Future: Building India’s Tomorrow
As of June 30, 2025, Reshma Dudani continues to steer NBCC toward new horizons. With projects like the Rs. 296.53 crore redevelopment for Meerut Development Authority and the Rs. 518.49 crore construction of Navodaya Vidyalaya campuses, her leadership is driving NBCC’s growth while shaping India’s infrastructure landscape. Her work on national security infrastructure, such as border fencing, and civil projects like roads and water systems underscores her versatility and impact.
Reshma’s story is far from over. She envisions a future where NBCC leads the charge in creating smart, sustainable cities that balance progress with preservation. Her mentorship programs, both within NBCC and in collaboration with institutions like Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, aim to nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators.
In a world where infrastructure is the backbone of progress, Reshma Dudani is not just building structures she’s building a legacy. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with vision, grit, and a commitment to excellence, one can construct not just buildings, but a brighter, more inclusive future for all.