PESB recommends Ajit Kumar Panda as CMD of Container Corporation of India

April 20, 2026 India Shipping News

NEW DELHI: Shri Ajit Kumar Panda has been recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) for appointment as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR). The recommendation follows a competitive selection process involving senior executives from logistics, railways, infrastructure and government.

Professional Background

Ajit Kumar Panda currently serves as Director (Projects & Services) at CONCOR. He has built a strong reputation in:

  • Rail-based logistics and multimodal transportation
  • Container terminal development and modernization
  • Freight infrastructure projects and supply-chain integration
  • Strategic expansion and operational efficiency

His experience positions him to steer CONCOR through the next phase of India’s logistics transformation, especially with the growth of freight corridors and multimodal logistics parks.

Candidates Interviewed by PESB

The selection meeting held on 18 April 2026 saw participation from eight senior candidates:

  1. Ajit Kumar Panda – Director (Projects & Services), CONCOR
  2. Harish Chandra – Principal Executive Director (Finance), Company Secretary & CFO, CONCOR
  3. Dr. Alok Badkul – Executive Director (Cold Chain Air Cargo) & CEO FHEL, CONCOR
  4. Ghalib Ahmed Jillani – Executive Director (Quality Assurance), RITES Limited
  5. Arvind Malkhede – Principal Chief Operations Manager, Central Railway
  6. Navin Kumar Parsuramka – Principal Executive Director (Coaching), Indian Railways
  7. Jayant Singh – Chairman, Land Ports Authority of India
  8. Manish Tiwari – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Following the interviews, PESB recommended Ajit Kumar Panda for the top leadership role.

Leadership at a Crucial Time

CONCOR plays a pivotal role in India’s freight logistics ecosystem, operating inland container depots, terminals and rail freight services across the country. Panda’s leadership is expected to focus on:

  • Strengthening rail logistics competitiveness
  • Expanding multimodal transport solutions
  • Supporting national logistics and trade initiatives
  • Enhancing operational efficiency and digitalization

His appointment now awaits final government approval.