New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has selected Mr. Akhilesh Pathak, currently Executive Director (Project Management) at Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), for the post of Director (Projects) at the state-run power transmission giant.
The recommendation was made after a detailed selection process held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, during PESB Meeting No. 55/2026 (Minute No. 1), conducted at 10:00 AM in New Delhi.
Selection Made After Interviewing 12 Senior Candidates
The PESB conducted a competitive selection process involving 12 senior officials from various central public sector enterprises and government organisations.
Mr. Akhilesh Pathak emerged as the recommended candidate after evaluation alongside other senior executives, including officials from Power Grid, NHPC, SAIL, Engineers India Limited, and government departments.
Read also: Power Grid Wins WR–ER Inter-Regional Transmission Project Under TBCB to Strengthen National Grid
List of Candidates Interviewed by PESB
The selection panel assessed the following candidates:
- Mr. Rajil Srivastava, Executive Director (Asset Management and Safety), Power Grid
- Mr. Kailash Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & COO (CTUIL), Power Grid
- Mr. Pankaj Pandey, Executive Director (TBCB), Power Grid
- Mr. Doman Yadav, Executive Director & Head, Southern Region-1, Power Grid
- Mr. Ashok Kumar Behera, Executive Director (WR-I), Power Grid
- Mr. Akhilesh Pathak, Executive Director (Project Management), Power Grid
- Mr. L.K. Khajkumar, Executive Director (Technology Development and SGKC), Power Grid
- Mr. Upendra Hajra, Executive Director, NHPC Limited
- Mr. Deepak Jain, Executive Director (Digital Transformation), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
- Mr. Rajeev Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager (Gurugram), Engineers India Limited
- Mr. Srinivas Muppaala, Development Commissioner, VSEZ, Department of Commerce
- Mr. Manoj Kumar Sahoo, Chief Electrical Engineer, Ministry of Railways
Current Role and Experience of Akhilesh Pathak
Mr. Akhilesh Pathak is currently serving as Executive Director (Project Management) at Power Grid Corporation. With extensive experience in managing large-scale power transmission projects, he has been involved in key infrastructure development initiatives across the country.
His selection reflects the board’s confidence in his technical expertise and leadership in the power sector.
Next Step: Approval by Cabinet Committee
Following PESB’s recommendation, the appointment file will now be sent to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.
Once approved and after completing necessary vigilance and administrative clearances, Mr. Pathak will officially take charge as Director (Projects) on the board of PGCIL.
In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the execution and expansion of India’s power transmission infrastructure.
About Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL)
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is a Maharatna public sector enterprise and one of the largest power transmission utilities in the country. It is responsible for planning, implementing, and operating India’s interstate and inter-regional electric power transmission network. The company plays a crucial role in strengthening the national grid and ensuring reliable electricity supply across India.
