New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has received a robust number of applications for the post of Director (Projects) at Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), following the elevation of Shri Deepak Gupta as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company. Shri Deepak Gupta, who earlier held the position of Director (Projects) at GAIL, assumed charge as CMD effective March 1, 2026. The vacancy created at the Director (Projects) level led PESB to issue an advertisement on March 3, 2026, inviting online applications from eligible candidates. The last date for submission was March 24, 2026 (3:00 PM).
Applications for this senior board-level position were invited and received directly by the PESB, not by GAIL. GAIL, being a Central Public Sector Enterprise, does not handle the receipt of applications for such functional director posts; the process is managed centrally by PESB under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. According to reliable sources, the response has been highly encouraging, with a large number of qualified professionals showing keen interest. Industry insiders indicated to NewsIP that the volume of applications was substantial and could have comfortably crossed the century mark (100) had a few more eligible candidates submitted their applications before the deadline. The Director (Projects) is a full-time functional director and board member responsible for overseeing GAIL’s major infrastructure initiatives, including pipeline projects, gas processing plants, city gas distribution networks, and other strategic energy infrastructure developments. PESB will now shortlist candidates based on eligibility and experience criteria (typically requiring engineering qualifications and significant project management expertise in the oil & gas or infrastructure sector). The selection process involves interviews, after which recommendations are sent to the government for final approval and appointment. This strong interest reflects the prestige associated with leadership roles in GAIL, India’s leading natural gas company and a Maharatna PSU, especially as the company accelerates its expansion in natural gas transmission, LNG, and green energy projects. Further updates on the shortlisting and selection are expected in the coming months.
