iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors has appointed a senior executive of Indian origin as the program’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The new CEO will lead the organization at a crucial juncture as the high-speed rail project is progressing toward passenger service.
Ian Choudri, the Senior Vice President at HNTB Corporation, has over 30 years of experience in transportation, including work on high-speed rail projects in France and Spain. He will replace outgoing CEO Brian Kelly, who is retiring after six years with the Authority.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for planning, designing, building, and operating the first high-speed rail system in the nation. California’s high-speed rail will connect the megaregions of the state, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs, and preserve agricultural and protected lands.
When completed, Phase 1 of the high-speed rail system will run from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours at speeds capable of exceeding 200 miles per hour. The system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 800 miles with up to 24 stations. In addition, the Authority is working with regional partners to implement a statewide rail modernization plan that will invest billions of dollars in local and regional rail lines to meet the state’s transportation needs.
“After an extensive national search, we’re proud to have selected Ian Choudri as the next CEO for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. His strong understanding of complex transportation projects will help build on the progress we’ve been making and lead the organization forward on a path to passenger service. Mr. Choudri will replace outgoing CEO Brian Kelly who has led the Authority for the last six years, completing 30 years of public service to the State of California. He significantly advanced the project in his time, and we wish him all the best in retirement,” the Authority’s Board Chairman Tom Richards said.
Choudri’s appointment comes following several key milestones, including full environmental clearance for most of the rail corridor from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the award of 3.3 billion USD in federal grants, and the creation of over 13,700 construction jobs. The rail authority is also preparing for major procurements, including trainsets and station construction in the Central Valley.
Choudri will lead the organization as it extends the current 119 miles under construction to 171 miles of electrified high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield, moving closer to launching the nation’s first 220-mph rail system.
“I’m humbled by today’s Board of Directors decision. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project that has the attention of the nation. I look forward to joining the ranks of the dedicated employees at the Authority, rolling up my sleeves, and working collectively to make our mark on high-speed rail in California,” Choudri said.
