In a leadership move signaling DCI’s push to strengthen governance, Dredging Corporation of India Limited announced the appointment of Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, as an Additional Director on its board, effective September 4, 2026. The appointment designates him as a Promoter-Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director, a role that positions him to contribute to the company’s strategic oversight while remaining outside the executive fold.
Mr. Purohit currently holds the chair at Paradip Port Authority, after being entrusted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with the additional charge of chairman from September 1, 2026. A veteran of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (1996 batch), his résumé spans Indian Railways, the Ministry of Power, and policy roles across ports and infrastructure. DCIL’s note on his background cites a track record in port management, infrastructure development, public policy and sustainable development that the company hopes to leverage.
The board’s decision follows formalities that will see Purohit obtain a Director Identification Number and file Form DIR-2, with his directorship likely extending to the next Annual General Meeting or until a shareholder vote or further orders. The move comes as DCIL also noted the cessation of director P. L. Haranadh with effect from September 1, 2026, underscoring a planned board refresh rather than a sudden shift.
Industry observers will watch how this blend of port governance experience and public-sector leadership translates into DCI’s navigation of asset development and maritime operations, at a time when the company seeks to deepen its role in India’s broader maritime ambitions. Purohit’s appointment could be a signal of DCIL’s intent to lean into policy-aligned leadership as it charts its course under a challenging operating landscape.