Group Captain Pankaj Upadhyay on Thursday assumed charge as the Commandant of Embarkation Headquarters, Kolkata, succeeding Group Captain A.L. Kishore, who completed his tenure after serving the organisation with distinction.
The change of command ceremony marked the formal transfer of leadership at the strategically important Embarkation Headquarters, which is responsible for coordinating the movement of personnel, equipment and military stores for the Army, Navy and Air Force across the eastern region through rail, air and sea routes. The establishment plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless logistical support for tri-services operations and deployments.
An officer of the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Upadhyay was commissioned in 2003. He is an alumnus of the Air Force Academy, the Military Institute of Technology, Pune, and the College of Defence Management, institutions renowned for training India’s military leaders in operational logistics and strategic management.
Over a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Group Captain Upadhyay has held a variety of key appointments at operational units, training establishments, as well as at Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters. His extensive experience in logistics planning, operational support and administrative management is expected to further strengthen the functioning of the Embarkation Headquarters.
Officials said his diverse professional background and leadership experience position him well to build upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor while continuing to enhance the efficiency of tri-services movement and logistics coordination in the eastern region.
Embarkation Headquarters, Kolkata, serves as a vital logistics hub for the Indian Armed Forces, facilitating the timely movement of troops, equipment and supplies through an integrated transportation network. Its role assumes added significance in supporting operational readiness, disaster response and strategic deployments across eastern and northeastern India.
With the assumption of command by Group Captain Pankaj Upadhyay, the organisation is expected to continue its focus on strengthening logistical capabilities and ensuring seamless coordination in support of the operational requirements of the three services.
