Backdrop & Context
The Steel Authority of India Limited, one of India’s largest public sector enterprises, is advancing its leadership restructuring efforts to strengthen performance at key operational hubs. Among these, the Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants hold strategic industrial value in eastern India. To accelerate modernisation and sustainability, the Public Enterprises Selection Board convened a decisive selection meeting for a new Director in-charge on 19 April 2025.
Who’s Involved?
The PESB meeting, listed as Minute No. 1 of Meeting No. 29/2025, was conducted at 11:30 AM on Saturday, 19 April 2025. A total of 12 high-ranking executives, mostly from SAIL and associated firms, were interviewed for the coveted post. After comprehensive assessment, PESB recommended Shri Surajit Mishra for the role.
Complete List of Interviewed Candidates
Below is the complete list of 12 applicants interviewed by PESB for the post of Director in-charge (Burnpur & Durgapur Steel Plants):
1. Shri S. Subbaraj – Executive Director, Alloy Steels Plant, Durgapur, SAIL
2. Shri P. Murugesan – Executive Director (Projects), Durgapur Steel Plant, Durgapur, SAIL
3. Shri Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra – Executive Director (Works), Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL
4. Shri Diptendu Ghosh – Executive Director (Works), IISCO Steel Plant, SAIL
5. Shri Prasanna Kumar Rath – Executive Director, SAIL Refractory Unit, SAIL
6. Shri Surajit Mishra – Executive Director (Projects), IISCO Steel Plant, SAIL
7. Shri Debabrata Dutta – Executive Director, SAIL
8. Shri Sandip Kumar Kar – Executive Director, RDCIS (E-9), SAIL
9. Shri Bipin Kumar Giri – Executive Director (Mines), SAIL
10. Shri Prabir Kumar Sarkar – Executive Director, Salem Steel Plant, SAIL
11. Shri Manoj Kumar Sinha – General Manager (CO & CCP), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL)
12. Shri Sharat Chandra Choudhary – Chief General Manager, MECON, Bokaro, MECON Ltd
About Shri Surajit Mishra
Shri Mishra is currently the Executive Director (Projects) at IISCO Steel Plant. He is widely regarded for his adeptness in project execution, process modernisation, and strategic planning. Having risen through the ranks within SAIL, his technical know-how and people-centric leadership were highlighted during his evaluation. He has actively led initiatives focusing on carbon efficiency and advanced metallurgical processes.
Why Burnpur & Durgapur Matter
The Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants are vital arms of SAIL’s national steel network. With a legacy stretching back to India’s early industrial era, these plants support not only domestic infrastructure development but also critical manufacturing supply chains. They are now set to undergo capacity expansion and tech-driven reforms to meet increasing domestic & international steel demand.
Strategic Vision & Industry Alignment
During the interview, Mishra reportedly shared a blueprint focused on enhancing green steel production, incorporating carbon capture, and increasing digital integration in plant operations. His proposed policies align with India’s “Green Steel Mission” and targets for decarbonisation by 2030. Sources close to the process noted his “visionary yet practical” approach to operational upliftment.
Key Takeaways:
• Shri Surajit Mishra was recommended as Director in-charge of Burnpur & Durgapur Steel Plants by PESB.
• He currently serves as Executive Director (Projects) at IISCO Steel Plant, SAIL.
• A total of 12 senior executives from SAIL, RINL, & MECON were interviewed for the role.
• Mishra’s strategy emphasises CO₂ capture, green steel, & project acceleration.
• PESB selection meeting was held on 19 April 2025 at 11:30 AM.
• Burnpur & Durgapur plants are key to SAIL’s sustainability & expansion goals.
