He held leadership positions in the Ministry of Railways., Government of India and in the Government of Andhra Pradesh on deputation.
He served as Senior Divisional Finance Manager in three Railway Divisions and as Director Finance in Railway Board, Ministry of Railways dealing with Union rail budget. On deputation to Government of AP., he served as Special Commissioner and Group Director Finance in AP Capital Region Development Authority and as the Secretary Municipal Administration and Urban Development in Government of AP.
He has served as Government nominated Director in both central and state government Public Sector Enterprises.
He has done Post Graduate Public Policy and Management Programme from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and Maxwell School of Citizenship, Syracuse USA., and holds M.Sc. in Physics from Sri Venkateswara University, AP.
Mr. Rao has attended various leadership and training programs in United States (Maxwell School of Public Policy, Syracuse), Japan (JICA) and London (ESCP).