The Union Ministry of Steel has invited applications for the post of Chairman and Managing Director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, the corporate entity that runs the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The move marks a key step towards appointing permanent leadership at the Navratna PSU, which has been functioning under interim arrangements for more than a year.
Departing from the conventional Public Enterprises Selection Board route, the Centre has chosen the Search-cum-Selection Committee method for the appointment. This approach is generally adopted for high-profile posts to draw from a wider talent pool, including candidates from the private sector. Applications must be submitted by March 5, 2026.
The ministry is looking for senior executives with proven experience in managing large industrial operations, strategic decision-making and financial turnaround. The CMD post fell vacant following the superannuation of Atul Bhatt in late 2024. Subsequently, Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD of MOIL, held additional charge before Manish Raj Gupta assumed charge as interim CMD on January 1, 2026.
Mr. Gupta, who is also Director Technical at SAIL, has overseen a notable improvement in operations. At a review meeting on February 3, 2026, attended by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik, he said RINL recorded a ₹54 crore cash profit in January 2026, reversing a ₹110 crore cash loss in December 2025. Gross sales stood at ₹2,165 crore, supported by higher sales volumes of 4.32 lakh tonnes.
All three blast furnaces at the plant are now in operation, with hot metal production rising to over 19,400 tonnes per day, nearly double the levels seen in mid-2024. The appointment of a full-time CMD is considered crucial for the long-term stability of the Vizag steel plant. While interim management has stabilised production, the permanent head will have to steer financial restructuring and address continuing debates over privatisation or a possible merger, according to plant union leaders.
Published – February 09, 2026 06:50 pm IST
