New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Ajit Kumar Panda for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), a Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways.
The recommendation came during PESB Meeting No. 30/2026 held on April 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Panda’s appointment is subject to approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Competitive Selection Process
PESB conducted a rigorous selection process, interviewing senior executives from logistics, railways, infrastructure, and public administration sectors. Candidates included leaders from CONCOR, RITES Limited, Indian Railways, and the Land Ports Authority of India, reflecting the strategic significance of the role.
Panda emerged as the preferred candidate due to his extensive experience in logistics, supply chain management, and infrastructure development.
Read also: CONCOR Awards ₹175 Crore Contract to Braithwaite for 9 BLSS Rakes to Boost Rail Logistics
Leadership Background of Ajit Kumar Panda
Ajit Kumar Panda currently serves as Director (Projects & Services) at CONCOR. His previous roles include:
- Executive Director (Mechanical Engineering and Project Planning & Development), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- Director (Production Units and Efficiency & Research), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways
- Chief Workshop Manager, East Coast Railway, Mancheswar
- Director on boards of SPVs such as Haridaspur Paradip Railway Co Ltd, Angul Sukinda Railway Ltd, Kutch Railway Co Ltd, Krishnapatnam Railway Co Ltd
At RVNL, Panda played a key role in setting up modern factories and depots, fast-tracking turnkey projects, and improving rolling stock production. His transformational leadership at Mancheswar Workshop drove significant organizational development and operational efficiency.
Strategic Importance of the CMD Role
As CMD of CONCOR, Panda will oversee India’s largest rail-based logistics company at a critical time of multimodal transport expansion, freight corridor development, and supply chain modernization. His responsibilities will include:
- Strengthening container logistics operations
- Enhancing operational efficiency across networks
- Supporting the government’s infrastructure and logistics growth agenda
He will succeed Sanyay Swarup, who is set to retire on July 31, 2026.
About CONCOR
Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) is a Navratna public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Railways, specializing in rail-based logistics and container transport. It plays a pivotal role in India’s freight and supply chain sector, contributing to the country’s infrastructure and multimodal transport initiatives.
Read also: CONCOR Appoints Rahul Agarwal as Part-Time Government Director Following Railways Directive
