Subhechcha Ganguly 
Dr. Ranjit Rath is an accomplished Geoscientist and a distinguished leader in India’s energy and mineral sectors. With over 26 years of experience, Dr. Rath has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in geosciences, exploration geology, and strategic management. He is currently serving as the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Oil India Limited (OIL), one of India’s leading upstream oil and gas companies.
A proud alumnus of IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur, Dr. Rath has made significant contributions to the field of energy security and mineral exploration, earning recognition at the highest levels. He was honored with the prestigious National Geosciences Award by the Hon’ble President of India, a testament to his exceptional contributions to geosciences and energy security.
Before assuming leadership at OIL, Dr. Rath held key leadership roles across various high-profile organizations. He was the Chairman and Managing Director of Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL) under the Ministry of Mines, and the Chief Executive Officer of Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KBIL), focused on global mineral resource development. His earlier career includes serving as the Managing Director of Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML) and holding the additional charge as the Director General of Geological Survey of India (GSI), where he shaped India’s geological research and exploration agenda.
Dr. Rath’s leadership also contributed to several landmark national projects, including the creation of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs), an initiative aimed at ensuring India’s energy security through the storage of crude oil in underground rock caverns.
Under his stewardship, OIL has continued to expand its exploration, production, and development initiatives, while focusing on sustainable energy solutions and global partnerships.
Key Highlights:
- Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Limited (OIL)
- National Geosciences Award recipient from the President of India
- Ex-Chairman & MD, Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Ltd (MECL)
- Former CEO, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KBIL)
- Ex-MD, Bharat Gold Mines Ltd (BGML)
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) architect for India’s energy security
- Over 26 years of leadership in Geosciences, Energy, and Mineral Exploration.
Dr. Rath continues to be a prominent figure in the energy sector, committed to advancing India’s energy security and global competitiveness in mineral exploration.
In a move to reinforce the Odisha Government’s commitment to innovative waste management solutions, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a compressed biogas plant.
According to official sources, the biogas plant, with a capacity of 200 tons per day (TPD), will be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 175 crore. The project, spanning an area of eight acres, is expected to be completed within two years from the commencement of construction. This initiative involves strategic collaborations between Oil India Ltd., Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, and the Government of Odisha.
As per the agreement, Oil India Ltd. will fund, operate, and manage the plant, while the BMC will supply the necessary biodegradable waste feedstock. The Government of Odisha will offer support and facilitation to ensure the successful implementation of the project. Once operational, the plant will generate 8-9 tons of compressed biogas daily, which will be used as CNG fuel, according to official sources.
The event was graced by Krushnachandra Mohapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Government of Odisha, who attended as the Chief Guest.
