NEW DELHI — In a strategic administrative move to bolster its infrastructure execution, the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has officially approved the deputation of Shri Chander Shekhar, a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
The appointment, finalized at Rail Bhawan, underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to streamlining project management within its key public sector undertakings.
The Transition: From Northern Railway to RVNL Corporate
Shri Chander Shekhar (born August 12, 1980) is a seasoned engineer currently serving as the Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction) at TKJ under Northern Railway.
Under the new order, he will transition to RVNL’s Corporate Office in New Delhi to take on the high-level role of General Manager (SPV & RM). His expertise is expected to play a critical role in managing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) and Resource Mobilization (RM), which are vital for the financing and execution of large-scale rail projects.
Key Terms of the Deputation
The Railway Board has outlined specific terms for this five-year assignment:
- Compensation: The officer will receive his parent pay plus a standard deputation allowance.
- Tenure: The initial term is set for five years or until further orders are issued.
- Regulatory Compliance: The appointment is subject to government exemption from the “rule of immediate absorption,” allowing the officer to maintain his status with the Indian Railways while serving the PSU.
Why This Matters
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is the primary execution arm of the Ministry of Railways for fast-tracking infrastructure. By pulling experienced talent like Shri Shekhar from zonal railways into corporate leadership roles, the Ministry ensures that technical field experience translates into effective high-level policy and project oversight.
“The deputation of experienced officers is a standard practice aimed at strengthening project execution capabilities, specifically for new line construction, gauge conversion, and electrification.”
Next Steps
The Railway Board has instructed Northern Railway to relieve Shri Shekhar from his current duties immediately. This will allow him to join the RVNL leadership team without delay. Official copies of the order have been dispatched to the Chairman and Managing Director of RVNL and various Director Generals within the Railway Board to ensure a seamless transition.