New Delhi: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), has appointed Mr. Saleem Ahmad as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). The appointment comes following the superannuation of former CMD Mr. Pradeep Gaur in August 2025 and marks a key leadership transition at one of India’s most important railway infrastructure companies.
Mr. Saleem Ahmad, who earlier served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Limited, brings with him over three decades of experience in executing large and complex infrastructure projects across the country.
Appointment Details and Tenure
According to the official order issued by the Railway Board, Mr. Saleem Ahmad’s appointment takes immediate effect. He will serve as CMD of RVNL until his superannuation on April 30, 2029, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
He will draw remuneration in the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pay scale of ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,70,000, applicable to top executives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
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Interim CMD Arrangement Approved
The Railway Board has also accorded ex-post facto approval to the interim arrangement under which Mr. S.C. Jain (IRSE), Additional Member (Land & Amenities), held the additional charge of CMD, RVNL. Mr. Jain managed the responsibilities of the post from September 1, 2025, for a period of nine months until the appointment of the regular incumbent.
Profile of Mr. Saleem Ahmad
Mr. Saleem Ahmad is a distinguished civil engineer, a 1990 graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia, with more than 34 years of professional experience in the infrastructure and construction sector.
Before joining NBCC, he spent over two decades with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), where he rose to the position of Executive Director (Civil). During his tenure at DMRC, he played a significant role in the execution of metro corridors, tunnels, bridges and last-mile connectivity projects.
At NBCC, he was instrumental in delivering large-scale redevelopment and institutional infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, efficiency and modern construction practices.
Vision and Expectations from the New CMD
As CMD of RVNL, Mr. Ahmad is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s railway modernization and expansion agenda. His leadership will focus on timely execution of new railway lines, doubling and electrification projects, and improving project delivery efficiency.
In addition, RVNL is looking to strengthen its international footprint in railway consultancy and overseas infrastructure projects, while also integrating new technologies such as digital project monitoring, sustainable construction methods and AI-driven planning tools.
About RVNL
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. Established to implement rail infrastructure projects on a fast-track basis, RVNL is responsible for critical works such as new line construction, gauge conversion, railway electrification, metro projects and international railway assignments. Over the years, RVNL has emerged as a key execution arm of Indian Railways, contributing significantly to the expansion and modernization of the national rail network.
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