Shri Chitranjan Kumar has assumed the charge of Director (Technical) Operations, Eastern Coalfields Limited w.e.f 28.07.2026.

Shri Chitranjan Kumar is a B. Tech graduate from BIT Sindri (1991), Shri Kumar holds a First Class Managers Competency Certificate (1997) and an MBA degree. Prior to joining ECL, Shri Kumar served as Area General Manager, Magadh-Sanghamitra Area, CCL where he played a pivotal role in securing major forest clearances for mining projects and advancing the 20 MTY Sanghamitra OCP. His leadership facilitated the handover of forest land for mining operations and expedited approvals for capacity expansion initiatives.

During his assignments in Bokaro & Kargali Area, CCL and Block-II Area, BCCL, he successfully resumed production at Karo Mines, commissioned BCCLs first Highwall Miner and a 5 MTY Washery and resolved longstanding R&R issues that paved the way for operational expansion. Under his stewardship, Block-II Area achieved its highest in last 10 years coal production and recorded a profit of Rs.830 crore in 2024, alongside a remarkable 100% growth in Output per Man Shift (OMS) within three years. Shri Kumar has also made notable contributions in sustainable mining and mine reclamation initiatives. At Barora Area, BCCL, he spearheaded land acquisition efforts for the Muraidih Underground Project and led TERI-backed eco-restoration initiatives, while the Area received the Chief Ministers Award for Environmental Compliance. Earlier, at Kathara Area, CCL, he surpassed production targets and achieved the highest-ever departmental production at the Sawang - Govindpur Project besides successfully implementing Bottom Ash Stowing at Sawang Colliery. His association with ECL dates back to his tenure as Assistant Manager at Rajmahal Area, where he played a key role in operationalizing the Truck Dispatch System (TDS), contributing significantly to enhanced operational efficiency.

Shri Kumars commitment to excellence has earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the Coal Ministers Award (2021-22 and 2022-23), the Best General Manager Award (2018-19), the National Safety Award (2008 & 2009) and the H.B. Ghosh Memorial National Safety Award by MGMI (2008-09). He has also received international exposure in advanced mining safety and risk assessment techniques through training at SIMTARS, Brisbane, Australia and he was a participant in the Advanced Global Techno-Management Programme 2025 conducted by ASCI Hyderabad in collaboration with ESCP Business School, France.