New Delhi (21.08.2023): The incumbent CEO and Chairman Railway Board Anil Kumar Lahoti (IRMS) is scheduled to hang his boots in next ten days i.e. 31.08.2023. Speculation is rife whether he would get an extension or not. A section of insiders feels that there is no sign of desperation or anxiety on part of Lahoti who has never been known for running from pillar to post seeking positions. But there are certain reasons he appears calm and composed over his further extension.
Indianmandarins has learnt that the New Delhi establishment has made up its mind to extend the term of his service especially in the backdrop of a successful mega event weaved around redevelopment of 508 Amrit Bharat Stations in the first week of this month.
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of these stations which have been part of the scheme of redevelopment of 1300 prime railway stations across the country.
However, there is a contrarian view too on the issue of extension for Lahoti. Another section of insiders says that Balassore Train accident has apparently blocked his chances of extension but for the NaMo 0.2 administration, it is more about utility of extension ahead of 2024 LS Polls. The Centre has already expressed it appetite and will by giving extensions to ED Chief, Union Cabinet Secretary and Home Secretary.
Further, the Prime Minister in one of his public rallies in Rajasthan already underlined that it was something to cherish about for the people of Rajasthan that Railways Minister and CRB both belonged to Rajasthan.
Insiders also say that Lahoti is working under a Minister who is such a person that if he won’t push for Lahoti’s extension then he won’t scuttle his chances as well. There was a time when much effort was made to scuttle Ashwani Lohani’s prospect for further extension. That is something which gives solace to Lahoti.
It may be underlined that Lahoti was appointed Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board in December 2022 for a period up to his retirement on 31.08.2023.
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