Maneuvering in Indian bureaucracy sometimes provides more spice than the real politic. Appointment of the next CRB and efforts to get extension to the outgoing CRB Vinod Kumar Yadav (IRSEE:1980) appear to have set the stage for a new drama unfolding. The matter has gathered importance also because this time only a couple of senior officials have the eligibility to become Chairman of Railway Board. If some top sources are to be believed, PMO too is silently watching the matter.

Indianmandarins has reliably learnt that vigilance department has started its attempt to explore avenues which may go against East Central Railway, GM, L C Trivedi (IRSME:1983) who is considered to be the most eligible candidate to succeed Yadav who is retiring December this year. Trivedi has a fair career record and is considered to have competence and administrative acumen among the present lot with almost 20 months of service remaining. Senior Railways officials say that Trivedi is a close relative of former CRB and incumbent Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani and that’s enough for his opponents to join hands together.

Though extension to CRBs in recent past failed to yield desired outcome but the outgoing CRB Yadav may get an extended tenure. Reportedly, Yadav is known for his fair service records and has been synergetic with the higher ups which may help him securing extension.

The other strong claimant for the top job is Vidya Bhushan (IRSME:1983), GM of East Coast Railway who has 22 months before he retires.

But what appears worth underlining is vigilance angle which is not so surprising. If some well-placed sources are to be believed Trivedi is likely to be trapped in a Vigilance case even though he did play crucial role to roll out Vande Bharat Express.