The current CEO and Chairman of the Railway Board, Anil Kumar Lahoti (IRMS), is set to retire on August 31, 2023. Speculation is abounds regarding whether he will receive an extension or not. Only top political leadership holds the knowledge of Lahoti’s fate, yet the corridors of power are abuzz with conjecture about his future. Presently, two distinct theories concerning his extension are circulating.
One viewpoint suggests that the central government has made a decision to extend his tenure, especially in light of the recent successful event centered around the redevelopment of 508 Amrit Bharat Stations in the initial week of this month. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the redevelopment initiative for these stations, which are part of a larger scheme aimed at revitalizing 1300 prominent railway stations across the nation.
Nevertheless, an opposing perspective on Lahoti’s extension exists. A different group within the insiders’ circle claims that the Balassore Train accident has seemingly hindered his prospects for an extension.
In the context of the present government, the decision for an extension appears to revolve around its usefulness leading up to the 2024 LS Polls. The government has already demonstrated its inclination for extensions by prolonging the tenures of the ED Chief, Union Cabinet Secretary, and Home Secretary.
