Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited has announced leadership moves within its Senior Management Personnel (SMP) cadre, underscoring an internal mobility strategy that leans on experienced professionals to drive Civil Department initiatives. The notice confirms that Pradeep Kumar Sonkar will transfer from his current role to the Regional Institute – VI, Singrauli, with effect from September 15, 2026. In tandem, VM Kumar has been appointed as SMP and will assume charge as Head of Department (Civil) following Sonkar’s transfer. The change positions an established CMPDI civil engineering professional with a robust track record to steer the division’s broader project, planning and execution agenda.
VM Kumar brings more than 17 years of CMPDI tenure to the HoD(Civil) role. An M.Tech graduate from IIT Bombay and a GRIHA Certified Professional, he has built deep expertise in DPRs, project and contract management, PMC, water resources and green buildings. In his current capacity at CMPDI Headquarters in Ranchi, he leads the PMC and Strategic Planning function with accountability for a ₹20 crore P&L and a portfolio that includes major Coal India Group clients. His appointment signals a continuity-driven approach to civil engineering leadership at CMPDI, aligning technical excellence with strategic delivery.
The broader SMP reshuffle also includes Shashank Bhushan Tiwari’s transfer from CMPDI to another subsidiary of the Coal India group, to take effect from October 12, 2026. Together with Sonkar’s move, these internal transitions highlight CMPDI’s focus on placing seasoned professionals across key units to sustain momentum on large-scale mining and infrastructure projects. As the organization navigates a dynamic sector landscape, the moves are likely to reinforce stability and ensure expertise remains embedded within CMPDI’s core operations.