Tata Rao built the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board from scratch in 1958. The late K.L. Rao appointed him as Member (Thermal) of the Central Water and Power Commission (CWPC) in 1972. However, Jalagam Vengala Rao spared no efforts to get Tata Rao to the state in August 1974. Tata Rao became synonymous with the energy sector in Andhra Pradesh. He increased the installed capacity of the state grid five-fold by conceiving giant generation projects like Vijayawada Thermal Station, Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam and Lower Sileru.
He formed a strong base for the state's electricity sector, which is now considered one of the best in the country. He won several awards at national and international levels, including the Padma Shri (1983).
Former positions:
Chairman Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board (1974–88)
Member (Thermal) Central water & Power Commission (1972–74)
Vice Chairman, Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board
Chairman, Committee on Super Thermal Stations. Govt. of India
Chairman, Energy Research Committee of CSIR, Govt. of India
Consultant, Asian Development Bank – Reorganisation Bangladesh Power Development Board
Member, Rajadhyaksha Committee on Power Govt. of India
Chairman, Expert Group on Development of Power Technology in the Future Planning Commission Govt. of India
Member, Atomic Power Authority. Govt. of India
Member, Energy Policy Committee. Govt. of India
Director, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. Govt. of India
Director, Andhra Bank Limited
Director, Bharat Aluminum Co. Ltd. Govt. of India
Director, Hyderabad Allwyn Metal Works. Govt. of A.P
Director, A.P Industrial Development Corporation. Govt. of A.P
Director, M/s Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd. Govt. of A.P
Director, A.P. Industrial Infrastructure Corporation. Govt. of A.P
Director, A.P. Non Resident Indian Investment Corporation. Govt. of India
Director, M/s Southern Transformers & Elec. Ltd. Govt. of A.P
Director of Gangappa Cables Co. Limited
Chairman, Lakshmi Porcelains Ltd
Chairman, Asian Coffee Co. Ltd
Chairman, Bhasker Palace Hotels Ltd
President, Central Board of irrigation and Power (1976–78 and 1979)
Chairman, National Council of Power Utilities (1982–88)
Member, CIGRE Study Committee No. 37 and 31
Chairman, Amar Raja Power Systems Limited
Chairman, VBC Ferro Alloys Co. Ltd
Director, Ultimo Polymers
Director, A.P. Paper Mills
Member, A.P. State Council of Higher Education. Govt. of A.P
Awards and honours
Padmashri Award from the President of India – 1983
Andhra Pradesh State Government Award Distinguished Service – April 1981
Bharat Ratna Sri M. Visveswarayya Award for the year 1985 of insti. Of Engineers and Govt of A.P.
Om Prakash Bhasin Award of the Year – 1986.
Golden Jubilee Award of Central Board of Irrigation and Power – 1978
Scroll of Honour Institute of Engineers - 1986
Honorary Member, Electrical Engineering Association and General Science Association, Sigma Xi (USA)