SimpleEngineer's Idea / Prospect

Subfield: Aerospace Propulsion & Mechanical Systems
Born: 1931, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Education: B.Sc. Physics; Aeronautical Engineering (MIT, Chennai)
Key Contributions:

• Integral to India’s missile development programs (Agni, Prithvi).

• Worked on India's first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III).

• Served as the Scientific Advisor to the Defense Minister.
  Legacy:

• A visionary engineer with a deep understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and composite materials.

• Advocated for youth involvement in science and ethical responsibility in engineering.
   

• Notable Quotes:

“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(Economic Times)

“If you're a mechanical engineer, don't feel so proud, because you can repair everything except your own heart.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(Goodreads)

Subfield: Materials Science & Engineering Policy
Born: 1935, Tamil Nadu
Education: Mechanical Engineering; specialized in materials
Key Contributions:

• Pioneered India’s research in defense materials.

• Served as Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister (1982–1992).

• Headed DRDO and contributed to key indigenous technology missions.
  Legacy:

• Bridged R&D and industrial production of materials like composites, alloys, and ceramics for defense applications.

• Notable Quote:

“I always say, 'Be near science and technology, and you will never fail.”
— Dr. V.S. Arunachalam

Subfield: Aerospace Structures & Mechanical Systems Design
Born: 1943, Brahmapur, Odisha
Education: B.E. Mechanical Engineering (IIT BHU), M.E. Aerospace Engineering (IISc), Ph.D. (IIT Bombay)
Key Contributions:

• Chief architect of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas).

• Integrated mechanical design with avionics, aerodynamics, and manufacturing.

• Promoted indigenous aerospace ecosystem in India.
  Legacy:

• A pioneer in applying mechanical engineering to high-tech aviation systems and project leadership.
  Notable Quote:

“The Tejas project was not just about building a fighter aircraft; it was about building confidence in India's engineering capabilities.”
— Dr. Kota Harinarayana
(Economic Times)

Subfield: Missile Structures, Thermal Systems, Project Management
Born: 1947, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu
Education: B.E. Mechanical Engineering; Ph.D. in Technology Management
Key Contributions:

• CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace.

• Worked closely with Dr. Kalam in missile development.

• Specialist in integrating propulsion systems, thermal management, and structural dynamics.
  Legacy:

• Known as the “Father of BrahMos,” blending advanced mechanical engineering with strategic technology.
  Notable Quote:

“We can work on hypersonics and can definitely prove (to the world) that we are capable here too.”
— Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai
(Economic Times)

Subfield: Fluid Mechanics, Polymer Science, and Innovation Policy
Born: 1943, Mashel, Goa (raised in a Mumbai slum)
Education: B.E. Mechanical Engineering (ICT Mumbai), Ph.D.
Key Contributions:

• Revolutionized polymer processing and rheology.

• Former Director-General of CSIR.

• Promoted intellectual property rights and grassroots innovation.
  Legacy:

• Globally respected for his work in thermofluids and polymer mechanics.

• Pioneered the idea of “inclusive innovation” for affordable technology development.
  Notable Quotes:

“An innovator is one who does not know it cannot be done.”
— Dr. R.A. Mashelkar
(AZ Quotes)

“Innovation is the key for the production as well as processing of knowledge. Indeed a nation’s ability to convert knowledge into wealth and social good through the process of innovation determines its future.”
— Dr. R.A. Mashelkar
(Mashelkar.com)

Subfield: Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Energy Systems
Born: 1945, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Education: B.E. Mechanical Engineering (Madras), Ph.D. (Princeton University) In Chemical Engineering
Key Contributions:

• Former Director of IIT Madras.

• He also got Herdillia award for excellence in basic research in chemical engineering. though he is well known chemical engineer as well. 

• Known for contributions to phase equilibrium thermodynamics and energy systems modeling.
  Legacy:

• Combined research excellence with academic leadership to shape engineering education in India.
  Notable Quote:

“Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring innovation and critical thinking.”
— Prof. M.S. Ananth
(IIT Bombay Chemical Engineering Department)

Subfield: Heat Transfer, Renewable Energy, Engineering Education
Born: Maharashtra
Education: Mechanical Engineering (IIT Bombay), Ph.D. (MIT)
Key Contributions:

• Former Director, IIT Bombay.

• Author of India’s most-used heat transfer textbook.

• Played a key role in developing India's solar energy research.
  Legacy:

• Mentor to generations of engineers, promoter of solar energy technologies in India.
  Notable Quote:

“Understanding heat transfer is fundamental to solving many of the world's energy problems.”
— Dr. S.P. Sukhatme
(Scribd)

Subfield: Aerospace Mechanical Systems, Launch Dynamics
Born: 1943, Karnataka
Education: B.E. Mechanical Engineering, M.E. (IIT Madras), Ph.D. (Salford University)
Key Contributions:

• Key contributor to ISRO’s launch vehicle and recovery systems.

• Served as Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
  Legacy:

• Bridged mechanical engineering principles with space technology design, guidance systems, and recovery mechanisms.
  Notable Quote:

“When we come across challenges, we can treat them either from a perspective of helplessness or from a standpoint of one’s own belief. Choosing the latter opens up a vista of opportunities.”
— Dr. B.N. Suresh
(INAE)

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, India 2020
  Message: Emphasized the importance of dreaming big and working hard to achieve those dreams.

• Dr. V.S. Arunachalam: From Temples to Turbines: An Adventure in Two Worlds
  Message: Advocated for self-reliance in technology and innovation.

• Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai: The Path Unexplored, Thoughts for Change
  Message: Encouraged engineers to embrace innovation and leadership.

• Dr. R.A. Mashelkar: Reinventing India, Gandhian Engineering
  Message: Promoted inclusive innovation and the importance of intellectual property rights.

Introduction: When Machines Fail Because Morals Do

In mechanical engineering, failure is not just a technical anomaly — it is often an ethical one. While bolts and bearings hold systems together, it is ethics that holds the profession itself intact. Yet, increasingly across India, we’re witnessing a systemic erosion of engineering morality in real-world projects. From inflated procurement to compromised safety checks, the absence of ethics has begun to corrode more than just machinery — it threatens lives, economies, and the profession’s future.

This article delves into why fundamental ethics in mechanical engineering are not optional but essential — and how the cost of ignoring them is dangerously high.

The Ethical Foundation of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is governed by a simple but powerful principle: design and deliver systems that are safe, efficient, and in service of humanity. The ethical codes embedded in institutions like the Indian Society of Mechanical Engineers (ISME) and ASME aren’t ceremonial guidelines. They are safeguards against misuse, malpractice, and mechanical disasters.

Core Ethical Tenets Include:

• Prioritizing public safety and welfare

• Honesty in design and reporting

• Avoiding conflicts of interest

• Fairness in procurement and project execution

• Lifelong commitment to competence and responsibility

But what happens when these values are bent — or worse, ignored?

When Ethics Collapse, So Do Projects — And People 1. Safety Breaches: Cutting Costs, Costing Lives

When mechanical engineers skip safety tests or use substandard materials, the results can be catastrophic.

Example: In a factory boiler explosion in Uttar Pradesh (2023), it was revealed that the pressure relief valve was never tested during installation — a direct violation of engineering protocol. Seven workers lost their lives.

Ethical Violation: Neglecting safety in favor of project deadlines or cost savings.

2. Fake Maintenance: A Paper Trail of Corruption

Engineers overseeing machinery maintenance sometimes forge service reports to pocket funds or avoid effort.

Case: A failed pump system in an irrigation scheme in Karnataka led to crop failures across 20 villages — maintenance logs were fabricated, and no real servicing had taken place in over 18 months.

Ethical Violation: Dishonesty, failure to uphold duty of care.

3. Collusive Procurement: Engineering for Greed

When engineers draft tenders that are biased or technically manipulated to favor one vendor, it warps market fairness and inflates project costs.

Evidence: A material handling system in a public steel plant saw inflated prices because the specification was tailored to a single vendor, excluding more affordable, competitive suppliers.

Ethical Violation: Conflict of interest, undermining public trust.

The Larger Cost of Ethical Decay

•  Infrastructure Integrity Loss
  • Structures built on unethical decisions may not last — leading to more public funding on repairs, rebuilds, and emergency responses.
•  Industrial Accidents Rise
  • ​From oil refineries to textile mills, cutting ethical corners in design and maintenance often leads to fire hazards, mechanical failures, and fatalities.
• Devaluation of the Profession
  • ​When ethical lapses become routine, they stain the reputation of all mechanical engineers, including those who are honest. It discourages talent and erodes public trust.
• Economic Drain
  • ​Inflated contracts, failed systems, and lawsuits due to technical fraud drain taxpayer money and slow national industrial progress.

Ethics Are Not Impractical — They're Structural

Some argue that ethical standards are idealistic in today’s competitive, client-driven environment. But in truth, ethics are as practical and structural as any physical component.

“An engineer without ethics is like a bridge without a foundation — it may look fine for a while, but it will collapse under real pressure.”
— A retired PSU Mechanical Project Head, quoted anonymously

How to Reinforce Ethics in Mechanical Engineering ? Curriculum Overhaul

• Engineering ethics should not be a side-topic but a mandatory, graded subject in all mechanical engineering programs.

• Case studies of ethical failures should be taught to highlight real-world consequences.

Institutional Accountability

• Public projects must involve third-party audits.

• Engineers must be held personally accountable for certification reports and safety clearances.

Cultural Change Within Firms

• Whistleblower protections and anonymous reporting mechanisms should be in place.

• Ethical performance should be part of annual appraisals, not just delivery metrics.

Industry Oversight & Media

• Transparency portals for mechanical tenders and certifications

• Investigative journalism in engineering and infrastructure sectors should be encouraged and protected.

Conclusion: Build with Integrity, or Prepare to Rebuild with Regret

The wrench in an engineer's hand can either tighten a system to perfection or loosen it toward disaster — depending on whether ethics is guiding the hand. Mechanical engineers play a foundational role in shaping India's infrastructure and industry. Upholding ethical standards isn’t just a moral duty — it’s a professional necessity.

If we want our systems to work without failure, we must first ensure that our engineers do not.

• What It Is: Offering structural analysis and design services for residential and small commercial buildings.

• Skills Needed: STAAD Pro, AutoCAD/Revit, knowledge of IS Codes, soil mechanics

• Resources Required: A computer with licensed software, basic printer/scanner, professional license (if required)

• Initial Budget: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 Lakhs

• Market Demand: Growing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns due to private home construction and local real estate.

• Feasibility: High—can be started from home; no large team needed initially

• Use Cases: Independent houses, small apartments, shops, town planning projects

• Business Tips: Network with local contractors, panchayats, and architects

• What It Is: Providing topographic and layout surveys using drone technology and GIS mapping

• Skills Needed: Drone piloting certification, GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS), basic mapping knowledge

• Resources Required: Survey-grade drone (DJI Phantom/RTK), GIS software, laptop

• Initial Budget: ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs (includes drone, licensing, training)

• Market Demand: Landowners, real estate developers, municipal mapping projects

• Feasibility: Moderate—requires some initial training and permissions

• Use Cases: Land division, layout approvals, real estate plotting, road development

• Business Tips: Get DGCA drone certification and work under an experienced mapper initially

• What It Is: Designing and installing rainwater harvesting systems for homes, schools, and colonies

• Skills Needed: Plumbing design, basic hydrology, knowledge of water act and bylaws

• Resources Required: Simple plumbing tools, rainwater filters, piping systems

• Initial Budget: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs

• Market Demand: High in water-scarce regions, government building mandates, NGOs

• Feasibility: High—low investment and awareness-driven demand

• Use Cases: Schools, residential complexes, panchayat buildings

• Business Tips: Get IGBC/green certification and partner with local plumbers

• What It Is: Manufacturing pre-made concrete items like fencing poles, septic tanks, rings, pavers

• Skills Needed: Knowledge of concrete mix design, casting, curing, and safety

• Resources Required: Molds, small mixing unit, water tank, open space (1000+ sqft)

• Initial Budget: ₹5 – ₹8 Lakhs

• Market Demand: Steady in growing towns, especially for local construction

• Feasibility: High—suitable for small-town demand; labor-intensive but profitable

• Use Cases: Roads, housing, landscaping, public works

• Business Tips: Supply to local contractors, municipal offices, and farms

• What It Is: Providing testing for soil, concrete, bricks, and steel as per IS codes

• Skills Needed: IS code compliance, material properties, lab equipment handling

• Resources Required: Compression machine, sieves, slump cones, cube molds, space (250–500 sqft)

• Initial Budget: ₹5 – ₹10 Lakhs (could start basic under ₹5 Lakhs)

• Market Demand: Builders, government projects, NGOs, quality auditing firms

• Feasibility: Medium—regulatory approval needed but offers consistent income

• Use Cases: Real estate quality control, road projects, school buildings

• Business Tips: Approach local PWD, contractors, and developers for tie-ups

• What It Is: Offering services like chemical waterproofing, soil hardening, anti-termite treatment

• Skills Needed: On-site application, chemistry of materials, vendor networking

• Resources Required: Spray tools, safety gear, chemicals

• Initial Budget: ₹1 – ₹3 Lakhs

• Market Demand: New and old constructions, especially in monsoon-prone areas

• Feasibility: Very high—skills are niche, margins are strong

• Use Cases: Basement buildings, tanking structures, wet areas of homes

• Business Tips: Learn from a senior contractor first, then scale independently

• What It Is: Taking up small-scale road patchwork, paver-block laying, or footpath repair

• Skills Needed: Road construction techniques, estimation, contractor licensing

• Resources Required: Roller/rammers (rentable), tools, labor team

• Initial Budget: ₹2 – ₹4 Lakhs

• Market Demand: Panchayats, municipal bodies, private gated communities

• Feasibility: Moderate—requires relationship building with civic authorities

• Use Cases: Rural PMGSY roads, school compounds, approach roads

• Business Tips: Bid on e-tenders; start as a subcontractor

• What It Is: Preparing BOQs, costing, budgeting for small projects

• Skills Needed: Costing software (CANDY, Excel, Buildsoft), IS codes

• Resources Required: Laptop, software licenses, printer

• Initial Budget: ₹50,000 – ₹1 Lakh

• Market Demand: Architects, builders, small contractors

• Feasibility: High—minimal capital and remote work friendly

• Use Cases: Villas, low-rise apartments, interior renovations

• Business Tips: Market on LinkedIn, Justdial, UrbanClap (now Urban Company)

As civil engineering becomes more tech-driven and sustainability-focused, professionals must move beyond basic drafting and construction knowledge. The most sought-after skills reflect advancements in infrastructure development, project digitization, and green practices.

• Why in demand: Used globally for planning and visualizing infrastructure before execution.

• Key Tools: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Bentley AECOsim, AutoCAD Civil 3D.

• Use Cases: Metro design, commercial buildings, smart city layouts.

• Certifications: Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit or Civil 3D.

• Why in demand: Accurate load/stress analysis prevents failure in high-value projects.

• Key Tools: STAAD Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE.

• Use Cases: Bridges, high-rise buildings, earthquake-resistant designs.

• Preferred by: Design consultancies, EPC firms, infrastructure developers.

• Why in demand: Widely used for land surveying, urban planning, and disaster mitigation.

• Key Tools: ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine.

• Use Cases: Road alignments, flood zone mapping, resource management.

• Applicable Fields: Environmental engineering, smart city planning.

• Why in demand: Required by IGBC/LEED standards and government mandates.

• Key Areas: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), energy modeling, sustainable materials.

• Certifications: IGBC AP, LEED Green Associate, ECBC Certification (India).

• Why in demand: Needed to manage large-scale projects with strict timelines.

• Key Tools: MS Project, Primavera P6, ERP tools like SAP.

• Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional), RICS Chartered Engineer.

• Why in demand: Faster, safer, and more cost-effective for large or dangerous sites.

• Key Tools: DJI Drone SDK, Pix4D, DroneDeploy.

• Use Cases: Land surveying, construction monitoring, agriculture infrastructure.

• Why in demand: Engineers must interact with clients, vendors, teams, and regulators.

• Core Soft Skills:

  • Technical communication

  • Report writing

  • Team collaboration and leadership

  • Presentation and negotiation

Many traditional civil engineering skills have lost relevance due to automation, industry evolution, or changes in construction practices.

• Why declining: Industry has moved to 3D modeling for accuracy and coordination.

• Risk: 2D drafts are prone to design clashes, rework, and cost overruns.

• Modern Alternative: Revit, Civil 3D, Tekla.

• Why declining: Digital and GPS-based instruments now dominate the field.

• Modern Tools: Total Station, GNSS, drones.

• Exception: Still taught as foundational knowledge in academics.

• Why declining: Manual estimation is time-consuming and less precise.

• Modern Tools: CANDY, CostX, Excel VBA, ERP-based estimation tools.

• Why declining: Many supervisory functions are now automated via project monitoring software or camera/sensor-based surveillance.

• What’s preferred: Tech-enabled supervision, remote project coordination, documentation.

• Why declining: New methods like modular formwork, readymix concrete, and mechanized site work reduce dependency on old methods.

Civil Engineering in India has been at the heart of national development for decades. With a growing population, rapid urbanization, and major government-led infrastructure initiatives, the field continues to offer substantial opportunities. However, shifts in technology, economic cycles, and policy directions have also led to evolving job roles and the obsolescence of some traditional functions. This report aims to highlight both the growth and decline areas within civil engineering and its subfields, the reasons behind these trends, and actionable pathways for graduates and professionals.

Growth Areas in Civil Engineering and Why They Are Rising

1. Infrastructure Development (Urban & Rural)
   India is undergoing an infrastructure renaissance through government initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, Bharatmala, and PM Gati Shakti. These projects have generated massive demand for engineers in planning, structural design, and project management. From highways to rural roads and urban transit systems, civil engineers are central to execution and oversight.

2. Sustainable Construction
   With growing environmental awareness and tightening global climate policies, sustainable construction has emerged as a key focus area. Green buildings, LEED certifications, and the use of low-carbon materials have increased job roles for sustainability consultants, energy efficiency analysts, and eco-friendly design experts.

3. Smart Infrastructure and IoT Integration
   The integration of technology into infrastructure is becoming the norm. IoT-based solutions in traffic management, smart lighting, and waste disposal require civil engineers to collaborate with electronics and IT teams. This convergence creates roles like Civil-IoT Integration Engineers and Infrastructure Technologists.

4. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
   BIM adoption is growing rapidly due to its ability to reduce project delays and enhance visualization. International firms and domestic EPC contractors are increasingly using BIM for real-time planning, costing, and design. Expertise in tools like Revit, Navisworks, and Civil 3D is a major asset.

5. Urban Mobility Projects
   Rising urban populations are putting stress on transportation networks. Projects like metro rail, expressways, BRT corridors, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are expanding. This growth demands skilled transport engineers, geotechnical specialists, and urban planners.

6. Disaster-Resilient Structures
   India's vulnerability to earthquakes, floods, and other climate events has led to a focus on disaster-resilient designs. Civil engineers trained in structural dynamics, seismic codes, and resilient architecture are in high demand, especially in sensitive zones.

Declining Areas in Civil Engineering and Reasons for the Downturn

1. Manual Site Supervision
   As technology advances, traditional manual supervision is being replaced by automated tools like drones, CCTV, and real-time project tracking apps. These allow for better monitoring, reduced human error, and fewer site-level staffing needs.

2. Low-End Real Estate Construction
   The affordable housing sector, while initially booming, is slowing down due to oversupply, lower consumer purchasing power, and policy bottlenecks. This has led to reduced employment for site engineers and junior construction supervisors in this niche.

3. Conventional Drafting Roles
   Engineers solely proficient in 2D AutoCAD are finding it difficult to remain relevant. With the shift towards 3D design and BIM, basic drafting roles are being replaced by multidisciplinary modeling jobs requiring advanced software proficiency.

4. Government Contractor Roles
   Government civil works often suffer from inconsistent funding, delayed payments, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Many graduates are opting out of these unstable career paths, and private players are taking over infrastructure delivery through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

5. Bridge & Dam Engineering in PSUs
   While previously considered prestigious, roles in bridge and dam engineering within public sector undertakings (PSUs) are declining. This is due to a lack of new large-scale projects, increased reliance on consultants, and overall PSU hiring freezes or contractual staffing models.

The future of civil engineering in India is promising, provided professionals adapt to the demands of a modern, technology-integrated, and sustainability-driven infrastructure environment. Traditional roles are declining, but dynamic engineers who embrace innovation will find ample opportunities both in employment and entrepreneurship.