[2] Kailashnathan started his career as an Assistant Collector Junior Timescale on 1 September 1981.

While at UDD, he chaired the Steering Committee that developed the Bus Rapid Transit Project for Ahmedabad.

Kailashnathan, then serving as Secretary of Water Supply, was among WASMO's first Governing Body members, playing a crucial role in its foundational stages.

[10] [11] In his earlier roles, he played an important part in industrial development and privatizing ports in Gujarat.

His contributions to the infrastructure sector include spearheading the establishment of a statewide drinking water pipeline grid in Gujarat and serving as managing director of Gujarat State Financial Services.