Manoj Kumar Sharma Takes Charge as GAIL Director (Projects)
Sharma has joined GAIL from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), where he was serving as Executive Director and Regional Head of Eastern Region Pipelines
Manoj Kumar Sharma today took charge as Director (Projects) of GAIL (India) Limited, bringing more than three decades of experience in the oil and gas and hydrocarbon infrastructure sector to the Maharatna public sector company.
Sharma has joined GAIL from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), where he was serving as Executive Director and Regional Head of Eastern Region Pipelines. In that role, he was responsible for operations and maintenance, construction and City Gas Distribution activities across five states, overseeing a pipeline network of more than 5,700 km.
He has also served as Executive Director (Projects) in IOCL’s Pipelines Division, where his responsibilities included engineering, procurement and construction management of major oil, LPG and natural gas pipeline projects in India and overseas. His professional experience covers design and engineering, project management, procurement, construction management, operations and maintenance of hydrocarbon pipeline networks, as well as crude oil terminal projects.
Academic and Professional Background
Sharma holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Production & Industrial Engineering) from Delhi College of Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB).
During his career at IOCL, Sharma has also served on the boards of GSPL India Transco Limited (GITL), GSPL India Gasnet Limited (GIGL) and Kochi Salem Pipeline Private Limited (KSPPL) as IOCL’s nominee director.
Appointment and Tenure
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas nominated Sharma for the position through a communication dated September 17, 2026. GAIL’s Board subsequently approved his appointment as an Additional Director at its meeting on September 18, with effect from the date he assumed charge as Director (Projects).
His tenure will continue until April 30, 2031, the date of his superannuation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
With extensive experience spanning pipeline infrastructure, project execution, engineering, procurement, construction management and energy-sector operations, Sharma now takes charge of GAIL’s Projects portfolio at a time when the company continues to expand its gas and energy infrastructure footprint.
