In a significant development, Saleem Ahmad has been selected for the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). The selection was made during a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 4, 2025.
Currently serving as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Limited, Ahmad was chosen from among several contenders after a detailed interview process. Following the PESB’s recommendation, his name has been forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval. His appointment will be subject to necessary vigilance clearances and the ACC’s nod.
The vacancy arose after the retirement of Pradeep Gaur on August 31, 2025. Gaur had taken charge in August 2018 for a five-year term and was later granted a two-year extension, which ended on his retirement date. Since September 1, 2025, Sukhmal Chand Jain (IRSE), AM/L&A, Railway Board, has been holding additional charge of CMD, RVNL. The PESB had advertised the post on April 22, 2025.
The following 10 applicants were interviewed in the selection meeting:
- 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
Read: RVNL CMD Selection: PESB interviews scheduled for Sept 15
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