Nagpur: The Maharashtra Government has appointed retired IAS officer Deepak Kapoor, a former Additional Chief Secretary, as the new Vice-Chairman and Managing Director (VC&MD) of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) for a period of two years. The appointment has been made as part of an administrative restructuring within the state-run agency responsible for some of Maharashtra’s most significant infrastructure and aviation projects.
Simultaneously, Swati Pandey, a 1997 batch IPoS officer who was serving as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MADC on deputation, has been reassigned and appointed as the Joint Managing Director of the corporation.
The move is expected to bring experienced administrative leadership to the organisation at a time when Maharashtra is pushing ahead with large-scale infrastructure, airport development, and industrial growth initiatives.
Government Issues Appointment Order
According to a Government Resolution (GR), Deepak Kapoor has been appointed on a contractual basis after his retirement from service on April 30, 2026. The state government cited his extensive administrative experience and long record in public service as key reasons behind the appointment.
Kapoor will now head MADC, which serves as the nodal agency for several major projects, including the ambitious Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) and airport development initiatives across the state.
With Kapoor taking charge, the government expects greater momentum in the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects and improved execution of long-term development plans.
Focus on Infrastructure and Aviation Development
MADC has emerged as one of Maharashtra’s most important infrastructure development agencies, playing a central role in aviation, logistics, industrial development, and urban infrastructure projects.
The corporation has been instrumental in:
- Development of MIHAN in Nagpur
- Airport infrastructure expansion projects
- Industrial and logistics hubs
- Aviation-linked economic development initiatives
- Emerging infrastructure projects across Maharashtra
Industry observers believe Kapoor’s return to the organisation could provide continuity and strategic direction to several ongoing and upcoming projects.
Swati Pandey Appointed Joint Managing Director
As part of the reshuffle, Swati Pandey has been appointed Joint Managing Director of MADC.
Pandey had been serving as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director on deputation and played a role in overseeing several operational and administrative functions of the corporation. Her appointment as Joint MD ensures continuity in the organisation’s leadership structure while strengthening institutional capacity.
Who is Deepak Kapoor?
Deepak Kapoor is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1991 batch of the Maharashtra cadre. During a distinguished bureaucratic career spanning more than three decades, he held several significant positions in the Maharashtra Government and earned recognition for his contributions to infrastructure development, public administration, urban governance, and water resource management.
Educational Background
- Belongs to Haryana
- Holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in English Literature
- Key Administrative Assignments
Throughout his career, Kapoor served in a variety of important administrative roles, including:
- Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department
- Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Maharashtra Airport Development Company
- Transport Commissioner
- Chief Executive Officer, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA)
- Head of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR)
- Municipal Commissioner
- District Collector
- Additional Commissioner
- Joint Managing Director
- Joint Chief Executive Officer
- Deputy Secretary
- Private Secretary
- Assistant Collector
His extensive experience across governance, urban development, infrastructure planning, transport, and public policy has made him one of Maharashtra’s most seasoned administrators.
Previous Leadership at MADC
Kapoor is not new to MADC. He had previously led the organisation and was associated with several infrastructure initiatives during his earlier tenure.
His return is expected to help accelerate ongoing projects and provide strategic oversight for upcoming developments, including major aviation and connectivity projects that are central to Maharashtra’s economic growth agenda.
Vadhavan Airport and Future Infrastructure Vision
One of the significant projects expected to receive attention under Kapoor’s leadership is the proposed Vadhavan Airport project in Palghar district, which is being viewed as an important addition to Maharashtra’s future aviation infrastructure network.
Alongside airport development, the state government is focusing on logistics corridors, industrial clusters, multimodal transport systems, and urban infrastructure expansion. Kapoor’s experience in handling complex infrastructure projects is expected to play a key role in advancing these initiatives.
About Swati Pandey
Ms Pandey is a 1997-batch Indian Postal Service (IPoS) officer currently serving in a high-profile, IAS-equivalent role as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director (VCMD) of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). Breaking tradition as the first non-IAS officer to head the MADC, she manages major aviation infrastructure milestones, including developments at Shirdi and Amravati airports and South Asia’s largest Flying Training School.
An alumnus of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad with a master’s degree from Imperial College London, her 28-year career spans roles in the Department of Posts (including Postmaster General of Mumbai), the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Films Division of India. Beyond her administrative success, which earned her the national “Build India” award, she is a National Award-winning filmmaker and the author of the critically acclaimed book “Invisible in Plain Sight: The Women of Kamathipura”.
Government Aims to Accelerate Strategic Projects
The appointment reflects Maharashtra’s broader strategy of leveraging experienced administrators to drive large-scale infrastructure and development programmes.
With growing investment in aviation, industrial corridors, logistics hubs, and urban infrastructure, MADC is expected to remain a critical institution in implementing the state’s development vision.
Officials believe that Kapoor’s leadership, combined with the existing administrative team, will help strengthen project execution, improve coordination among departments, and accelerate delivery of key infrastructure projects across Maharashtra.
