Ajit Kumar Panda selected as next CMD of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Ajit Kumar Panda as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR), the state-run rail logistics major under the Ministry of Railways. The recommendation follows a selection process in which eight candidates were interviewed, with Panda emerging as the preferred choice to lead the Navratna public sector undertaking.

Panda is currently serving as Director (Projects and Services) at CONCOR and brings with him decades of experience across key segments of the railway and infrastructure ecosystem. His appointment is subject to approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Extensive Experience Across Rail and Infrastructure Projects

Prior to his current role, Panda held several senior positions in Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and the Ministry of Railways. At RVNL, he served as Executive Director (Mechanical Engineering and Project Planning & Development), where he played a pivotal role in executing large-scale railway infrastructure projects.

During his tenure at the Railway Board, Panda served as Director (Production Units and Efficiency & Research), where he contributed to major policy and production initiatives. He was closely involved in driving the transition toward high horsepower locomotives and LHB coaches, as well as coordinating record production levels of rolling stock across the country.

His operational expertise also includes his role as Chief Workshop Manager at the East Coast Railway’s Mancheswar facility, where he led organisational transformation and efficiency improvements through targeted interventions.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “Ajit Kumar Panda’s extensive experience across railway operations, infrastructure development and project execution positions him well to lead CONCOR at a time when logistics efficiency and multimodal integration are becoming increasingly important. His leadership could further strengthen CONCOR’s role in India’s freight and supply chain ecosystem.”

Leadership Across Strategic Railway SPVs

Panda has also served as a director on the boards of several key railway special purpose vehicles, including Haridaspur Paradip Railway Company Limited, Angul Sukinda Railway Limited, Kutch Railway Company Limited and Krishnapatnam Railway Company Limited. These roles have provided him with valuable exposure to complex project financing, execution and public-private partnership frameworks.

His experience in fast-tracking turnkey infrastructure projects and developing modern facilities has been widely recognised within the sector.

Transition at the Helm of CONCOR

Upon receiving ACC approval, Panda will succeed Sanjay Swarup, who is set to retire on July 31 upon attaining superannuation. The leadership transition comes at a crucial time for CONCOR as it continues to expand its footprint in multimodal logistics, containerised freight movement and inland container depot infrastructure.

CONCOR plays a vital role in India’s freight ecosystem, providing end-to-end logistics solutions and supporting the shift toward rail-based cargo movement. With new leadership on the horizon, the organisation is expected to further align its strategy with India’s broader goals of improving logistics efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing multimodal connectivity.

Panda’s appointment, once formalised, is likely to bring continuity along with a renewed focus on modernisation and expansion in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape.