New Delhi, 30 May 2026: The Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers and the Bengal Sappers fraternity mourn the passing away of Lieutenant General B.S. Dhaliwal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), a highly decorated officer, visionary military engineer, and one of the most dynamic Engineer-in-Chiefs of the Indian Army. With his demise on 30 May 2026, the Bengal Sappers have lost a spirited, energetic and deeply committed flag bearer whose life was defined by service, innovation and leadership.
Lt Gen Dhaliwal was regarded as a staunch Bengal Sapper and one of the most effective Engineer-in-Chiefs of his time. His military career spanned over four decades in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers, during which he held several important appointments and contributed significantly to military infrastructure, engineering excellence and organisational transformation. Public records also describe his career as spanning 40 to 41 years in the Corps of Engineers.
A Distinguished Soldier and Military Engineer
A decorated officer of the Indian Army, Lt Gen B.S. Dhaliwal rose to the rank of Engineer-in-Chief, one of the most prestigious appointments for any Sapper officer. His service reflected the highest traditions of the Corps of Engineers — courage, technical excellence, practical leadership and devotion to the nation.
During his long military career, he was associated with key establishments of the Military Engineering Service (MES) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), both of which play critical roles in strengthening India’s defence infrastructure. His work contributed to the creation, maintenance and modernisation of vital infrastructure needed by the armed forces across challenging terrains and operational environments.
For his distinguished service, he was decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) — honours that reflect exceptional service of a very high order in the Indian Armed Forces.
A Proud Bengal Sapper
Lt Gen Dhaliwal remained deeply connected to the Bengal Sappers, one of the oldest and most respected engineering groups of the Indian Army. The Bengal Sappers, with their regimental centre at Roorkee, have a proud legacy of military engineering, battlefield support, bridging, infrastructure development and operational excellence.
For the Bengal Sappers fraternity, Lt Gen Dhaliwal was more than a senior veteran. He was a mentor, guide and flag bearer who carried the Sapper spirit with pride. His energy, bold thinking and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on officers, soldiers and civilians who worked with him.
His passing marks the end of an era for many who knew him as a soldier-engineer who believed in action, innovation and nation-building.
Service Beyond Uniform
After retiring from the Indian Army in 2007 as the Engineer-in-Chief, Lt Gen Dhaliwal continued to serve the nation in civilian roles. He became a long-standing Advisor (Technical/Infrastructure) to the Chief Minister of Punjab, where he handled policy, infrastructure and technology-related advisory responsibilities for over a decade.
In this role, he served across consecutive state governments and contributed his military experience, administrative clarity and engineering vision to public infrastructure and governance. His post-retirement career reflected the same qualities that defined his military service — discipline, technical depth, practical thinking and commitment to public good.
His association with Punjab’s governance and infrastructure ecosystem remained significant, and he was publicly recognised in forums related to digital governance, smart cities and public infrastructure.
Recognition in Engineering and Innovation
Lt Gen Dhaliwal’s contribution was not limited to the military domain. He earned national and international recognition for his work in engineering, innovation and ecological thinking.
In 2011, he became the first Indian to win the “Engineer of the Year Award” from the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP) in Singapore. This recognition placed him among distinguished engineering leaders of the Asia-Pacific region.
He was also honoured with the Golden Peacock Award for Ecological Innovation in 2007, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and innovative engineering practices.
These honours highlighted his ability to think beyond conventional military engineering and apply innovation to wider national and ecological challenges.
A Sports Enthusiast and Institution Builder
Beyond his military and technical achievements, Lt Gen Dhaliwal was also a keen sports enthusiast. He served as Executive Vice President of the Yachting Association of India and the Rowing Federation of India, contributing to the development and promotion of sports associated with discipline, endurance, teamwork and watermanship.
His involvement in sports reflected his larger personality — energetic, adventurous and committed to building institutions. Whether in uniform, public service, engineering forums or sports bodies, he brought with him the same drive and sense of mission.
Author of “The General Called Tsunami”
Lt Gen Dhaliwal also authored his memoir, “The General Called Tsunami: Memoir of a Sapper,” which recounts his four decades of military service and leadership experiences. The book offers a glimpse into the life of a Sapper officer who moved through varied assignments and ultimately reached the highest professional appointment in the Corps of Engineers.
The title itself reflects the personality many associated with him — forceful, energetic, impactful and impossible to ignore. Through his memoir, he preserved not only his personal journey but also the spirit of the Corps of Engineers and the values of the Indian Army.
A Life of Service and Legacy
Lt Gen B.S. Dhaliwal’s life was a remarkable blend of soldiering, engineering, leadership, innovation and public service. From the Corps of Engineers to the corridors of civilian governance, from infrastructure development to ecological innovation, and from military service to sports administration, he remained active, purposeful and committed to excellence.
His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Sappers, military engineers, young officers and public servants. For the Bengal Sappers, his passing is a deeply emotional loss. For the Indian Army, it is the loss of a decorated veteran who gave his life to the service of the nation. For all who knew him, he will be remembered as a leader of rare energy and conviction.
Lt Gen B.S. Dhaliwal may have faded from mortal sight, but his service, spirit and legacy will continue to live on in the institutions he strengthened and the people he inspired.
