Ramachandran joined the Indian Police Service in 1978 and was allotted to the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He gained extensive experience in field policing, District and State level police administration, intelligence, counter terrorism and conflict resolution. He served in some of the most sensitive districts of Assam with distinction. As intelligence chief of Assam, he revamped and modernised the State Special Branch and played a crucial role in bringing an end to militancy and terrorism in the State. He retired as DGP of Meghalaya.

At the Central Government level, he served the elite Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the security of the Prime Minister. During the course of his two stints in the SPG spread over a period of 13 years, he contributed significantly towards building and nurturing the SPG to be a world class security organisation that prides itself for its ‘zero error’ culture and commitment to continuous pursuit of professional excellence.

Ramachandran served as the Chairman and CEO of the Port of Cochin for the period 2005 -2011. He is credited for extensive labour reforms during this period, as well as the timely implementation of a slew of mega infrastructure and modernisation projects that have resulted in a complete transformation of the port. He also introduced complete digitisation of all aspects of port operations implementing an ERP, making Cochin the first e-Port in the country, ensuring complete transparency and efficiency in port operations.

During this period, Government of India appointed him as Chairman of the High Level Committee on the security preparedness of India’s Major Ports and commercial maritime operations, and in this capacity he made significant contributions towards revamping security of all major ports and shipbuilding facilities in the country.

Ramachandran has done extensive work on the National Security implications of insurgency, terrorism, illegal immigration, and transnational weapons and drugs smuggling. Throughout his brilliant professional career in the Indian Police Service, he demonstrated a passion for excellence in his work and always took a fearless and principled stand.