Lt Gen B.S. Dhaliwal, Esteemed Military Engineer and Former Engineer-in-Chief, Dies at 2026

New Delhi, 30 May 2026: The Indian Army's Corps of Engineers and the Bengal Sappers community are in mourning following the death of Lieutenant General B.S. Dhaliwal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd). Lt Gen Dhaliwal, who passed away on 30 May 2026, was a decorated officer and noted military engineer, recognized for his dynamic leadership as Engineer-in-Chief. His contributions were marked by a commitment to service, innovation, and leadership, leaving a profound impact on the Bengal Sappers.

Lt Gen Dhaliwal was esteemed as a dedicated Bengal Sapper and among the most capable Engineer-in-Chiefs of his era. His extensive military career, spanning over four decades in the Corps of Engineers, saw him hold key positions and play a critical role in military infrastructure development, engineering improvements, and organizational transformation.

A Distinguished Soldier and Military Engineer

Rising to the prestigious position of Engineer-in-Chief, Lt Gen B.S. Dhaliwal exemplified the values of the Corps of Engineers, demonstrating courage, technical expertise, practical leadership, and dedication to the nation. His long-standing association with the Military Engineering Service (MES) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) underscored his contribution to fortifying India's defense infrastructure, enabling the construction and modernization of essential facilities in challenging terrains.

His service earned him numerous honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), recognizing his exceptional contributions to the Indian Armed Forces.

A Proud Bengal Sapper

Lt Gen Dhaliwal maintained a strong connection with the Bengal Sappers, one of the Indian Army's most respected engineering groups. Based in Roorkee, the Bengal Sappers boast a long history of military engineering excellence. To them, Lt Gen Dhaliwal was not just a senior veteran but a mentor and guiding force, whose energetic leadership and commitment to excellence left a lasting influence.

His passing signifies the end of an era for those who saw him as a soldier-engineer devoted to action, innovation, and national development.

Service Beyond Uniform

Following his retirement from the Indian Army in 2007, Lt Gen Dhaliwal continued to serve the nation in various civilian capacities. He took on the role of Advisor (Technical/Infrastructure) to the Chief Minister of Punjab, where he contributed to policy and infrastructure advisory for over a decade, applying his military experience to governance and public infrastructure.

His work in this capacity was recognized for its clarity and technical vision, reflecting the discipline and commitment he displayed throughout his military career, thus leaving a significant impact on Punjab’s governance and infrastructure development.

Recognition in Engineering and Innovation

Beyond the military, Lt Gen Dhaliwal achieved national and international acclaim for his contributions to engineering and innovation. In 2011, he became the first Indian recipient of the "Engineer of the Year Award" from the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP) in Singapore, highlighting his leadership in the Asia-Pacific engineering community.

In addition, he received the Golden Peacock Award for Ecological Innovation in 2007, underscoring his dedication to sustainable engineering practices.

A Sports Enthusiast and Institution Builder

Apart from his military and technical accomplishments, Lt Gen Dhaliwal was passionate about sports, serving as Executive Vice President of the Yachting Association of India and the Rowing Federation of India. His involvement was driven by a commitment to fostering sports that emphasize discipline and teamwork.

His enthusiasm for sports mirrored his energetic personality, and in all his roles, he consistently demonstrated a commitment to building institutions and inspiring others.

Author of “The General Called Tsunami”

Lt Gen Dhaliwal documented his extensive military experience in his memoir, "The General Called Tsunami: Memoir of a Sapper." The book provides insight into his career journey and leadership within the Corps of Engineers, highlighting the forceful and impactful personality that characterized his service.

Through this memoir, he preserved the spirit of the Corps of Engineers and the values of the Indian Army, offering an enduring legacy.

A Life of Service and Legacy

Lt Gen B.S. Dhaliwal's life was marked by a diverse career encompassing military service, engineering, leadership, innovation, and public service. From his work within the Corps of Engineers to his contributions in civilian infrastructure and ecological innovation, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence.

His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of military engineers, officers, and public servants. His loss is deeply felt among the Bengal Sappers and the broader Indian Army community, but his enduring influence and achievements will continue to resonate.