Anil Kumar Lahoti, former Railway Board Chairman and CEO, will be the new chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The position had remained vacant for four months following the retirement of PD Vaghela and TRAI Chairman on September 30.
According to a government order, Anil Kumar Lahoti, a seasoned 1984 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), will serve as the TRAI Chairman for a period of three years from the date of assuming office or until he reaches the age of 65, or until further orders are issued — whichever comes earlier.
Anil Kumar Lahoti, who holds a degree in Civil Engineering with a Gold Medal from Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior, and a Master of Engineering in Structures from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), brings a wealth of experience to the role.
His distinguished career spanning over 36 years in the railways saw Anil Kumar Lahoti holding various key positions across Central, Northern, North Central, Western, and West Central Railways, as well as the Railway Board.
Highlights of Anil Kumar Lahoti’s career include his tenure as the General Manager of Central Railway, where he achieved notable success in freight and parcel traffic, coupled with substantial revenue growth through innovative non-fare avenues, as reported by the Ministry of Railways.
During his leadership, Anil Kumar Lahoti played a pivotal role in addressing and resolving the complex issue of expanding air-conditioned suburban services in Mumbai. Central Railway witnessed a significant surge in the execution and commissioning of infrastructure projects under his guidance, including the long-awaited 5th and 6th lines between Diva and Thane in Mumbai.
Further accolades are attributed to Anil Kumar Lahoti for his contributions as the Divisional Railway Manager of Lucknow, Northern Railway, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance freight movement and improve passenger amenities.
In his roles as Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) and Chief Engineer (Construction) on Northern Railway, Anil Kumar Lahoti executed a multitude of infrastructure projects, encompassing new lines, doubling and multi-tracking of tracks, yard remodelling, key bridges, and station construction.
Noteworthy projects such as the Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi and the Ajmeri Gate side station building of New Delhi station were conceived under his planning, according to the Ministry of Railways.