In a key development for the Indian rail infrastructure sector, Saleem Ahmad, currently serving as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Limited, has been selected to take over as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). The appointment came out of a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 4, 2025.
Selection Process and Pending Approvals
Saleem Ahmad was chosen after a competitive selection process that included interviews of ten high-profile candidates from various rail and infrastructure bodies. His name has now been forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval. Additionally, his appointment is subject to receiving necessary vigilance clearances.
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Vacancy and Interim Arrangement
The CMD position at RVNL became vacant following the retirement of Pradeep Gaur on August 31, 2025. Gaur had held the position since August 2018 and was granted a two-year extension before his retirement. Since September 1, 2025, Sukhmal Chand Jain, IRSE, Additional Member/Land & Amenities at the Railway Board, has been holding additional charge as interim CMD of RVNL.
Candidates Interviewed by PESB
The PESB conducted interviews with ten applicants for the CMD role, including –
- Ajit Kumar Panda – Director (Project & Services), Container Corporation of India Limited
- Mritunjay Pratap Singh – Director (Operations), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- Anurag – Principal Executive Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- Amit Tondan – Principal Executive Director (Metro), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- Sumit Sardana – Principal Executive Director (Infra), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- Vikas Chandra – Executive Director (North East), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- Surender Singh – Executive Director (Projects), Ircon International Limited
- Vippagunta Rama Manorhara Rao – Director (Finance), RailTel Corporation of India Limited
- Saleem Ahmad – Director (Projects), NBCC (India) Limited
- Dr. Pudi Hariprasad – Chief Administration Officer (Treasury & Reconciliation), Ministry of Railways
RVNL plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of rail infrastructure projects across India, helping the Ministry of Railways achieve modernization and expansion goals. The appointment of an experienced leader like Saleem Ahmad is seen as a positive step towards accelerating ongoing and future rail projects.
About Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a leading Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Incorporated in 2003, RVNL is primarily engaged in the development, financing, and implementation of railway infrastructure projects, including new lines, doubling, electrification, metro projects, and workshops. The company has played a vital role in expanding and modernizing India’s railway infrastructure and is recognized for its timely project delivery and engineering expertise.
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