A Salute to PM Prasad — The Soft-Spoken Yet Tough Taskmaster of India’s Coal Sector
Shri PM Prasad leaves behind a legacy of integrity, technical excellence, and transformative leadership that will continue to inspire generations of mining professionals
The Indian coal sector bids a heartfelt farewell today to Shri PM Prasad, who hangs his gloves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India Limited (CIL). Known for his soft-spoken demeanor but steely resolve, Shri Prasad leaves behind a legacy of integrity, technical excellence, and transformative leadership that will continue to inspire generations of mining professionals.
A Journey Marked by Dedication and Discipline
Assuming charge as CMD of Coal India Limited on 1st July 2023, Shri Prasad brought with him nearly four decades of experience in mining, operations, and management. Before leading the coal behemoth, he served as CMD of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) since September 2020, steering the company through critical phases with unmatched professionalism.
A Mining Engineer from Osmania University and M.Tech in Open-Cast Mining from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Shri Prasad also holds a Law degree from Nagpur University — a rare combination that reflects his multidimensional approach to leadership. His career began in 1984 with Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), where he soon stood out for his problem-solving abilities and deep technical acumen.
Milestones that Defined His Legacy
From reopening the fire-affected DRC mines in WCL — which earned him the Best Mines Manager Award (1995) from the Ministry of Coal — to leading key projects at MCL, BCCL, and NCL, Shri Prasad has left an indelible mark on every organization he served.
He played a pivotal role in launching the Kaniha Opencast Project, diverting the Hingula Nallah to unlock coal reserves of 26 MT, and initiating Railway Siding No. 9 at Talcher Coalfields. His tenure at NTPC as Executive Director (Coal Mining) saw the successful commencement of coal mining operations at Pakribarwadih, which later won the Swarn Shakti Award.
At NCL, his environmental stewardship earned global recognition at the World Environmental Conference (2018), and his crisis-time leadership at BCCL during the pandemic demonstrated his rare ability to lead with both empathy and precision.
A Leader Par Excellence
Throughout his career, Shri Prasad has been respected for his interpersonal skills, technical depth, and unwavering commitment to teamwork. He embodied the belief that leadership is not about words but actions — quietly driving efficiency, innovation, and accountability across all levels.
His colleagues often describe him as a man who “speaks less, delivers more,” a taskmaster who led with heart and humility. Under his guidance, Coal India continued to strengthen its production and sustainability agenda, setting benchmarks for operational excellence.
The Legacy Continues
As Shri PM Prasad steps into a well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind not just a professional legacy but a moral one — of integrity, diligence, and service to the nation. The Indian coal fraternity, and indeed the entire PSU ecosystem, will deeply feel his absence.
At www.indianpsu.com – we salute Shri PM Prasad, the man who redefined leadership with simplicity and strength. We extend our warmest wishes for good health, happiness, and continued success in his post-retirement journey.
Thank you, Sir, for your remarkable contribution to India’s energy security — and for inspiring all of us through your dedication and humility.
