Mr. Pramod Agrawal
B.Tech., Civil Engineering, 1986

Mr. Pramod Agrawal is a retired ex Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India Limited.

After his B.Tech. from IIT Bombay, he went on to receive his M. Tech. in Applied Mech from IIT Delhi. He is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIM, Ranchi. He is also an Independent Director with Tata Steel, Century Plyboard, and ILFS, and an Advisor to the Bajaj Group.

Among the several organizations and industries he had the opportunity to be a part of, he found his contribution towards infrastructure development and energy security of India most fulfilling.

In the domain of rural roads, as the first CEO of Madhya Pradesh Rural Roads Development Agency (MPRRDA), he established the organizational framework and processes to implement the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Specifically, the initiatives that he and his team implemented around engineering outsourcing and the inclusion of maintenance terms in road contracts set up a robust operating model that not only set up the agency in Madhya Pradesh up for success but was also replicated by many other agencies across India. During his tenure and after, the MPRRDA connected more than 25000 habitations with about 94000 km of roads fulfilling its mission of all-weather roads access to every habitation in the state.

In the energy sector, during his tenure as CMD, Coal India’s production grew by 13% in 2022 23 and 10% in 2023-24; successfully driving this growth was crucial in mitigating the energy crisis post COVID and ensuring the nation’s energy security. During this time, he and his team also focused on setting up CIL for continued growth in the future, increasing CAPEX by 300% while improving profitability by 250% through optimization in surplus coal tendering and an increase in coal production. Mr. Agrawal’s illustrious career includes several awards and accolades. These include:

–  Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Limited.
–  Principal Secretary, MP Govt., Dept. of Technical Education, Skill Development & Employment.
–  Principal Secretary, MP Govt., Public Works Dept.
–  Joint Secretary, Govt. of India, Department of Disinvestment.
–  Chairman and Managing Director, MP State Electricity Board.
–  CEO, MP Rural Roads Development Authority.
–  Collector, Misc. Districts.

Mr. Agrawal won the Award for Infrastructure Development by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).

Hobbies::
Reading books.

Special Memories Associated with IIT Bombay

One of my most cherished memories at IIT Bombay was when Dr. Pathak personally came to my room to help me understand the Computer Science 101 course. I had joined the course late due to a severe fracture, and keeping up with the coursework was challenging. His unexpected visit was not just about academics— it was a profound gesture of care and encouragement. At a time when I was struggling both physically and academically, his support boosted my morale and reinforced the spirit of mentorship that defines IIT Bombay.