Former Railway Board Member Anil Kumar Khandelwal Joins Advisory Board of Rail Chamber

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Chamber of Railway Industries (Rail Chamber) has announced the appointment of Mr. Anil Kumar Khandelwal, former Member Infrastructure, Railway Board and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India, to its Advisory Board.

A senior Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer of the 1987 batch, Mr. Khandelwal brings more than 35 years of extensive experience in railway infrastructure development, project execution, strategic planning, and public policy. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the Chamber’s efforts in supporting India’s rapidly evolving railway and urban transit ecosystem.

Veteran Railway Infrastructure Leader Joins Rail Chamber

During his distinguished career with Indian Railways, Mr. Khandelwal played a crucial role in several transformative infrastructure initiatives aimed at modernising the national rail network.

As Member Infrastructure of the Railway Board, he was closely associated with flagship programmes such as the Amrit Station Redevelopment Scheme, the nationwide implementation of Kavach safety systems, and the expansion of railway electrification across India.

His contributions significantly supported Indian Railways’ efforts to enhance network capacity, operational safety, energy efficiency, and infrastructure modernisation.

Mr. Khandelwal was also actively involved in the successful execution of the prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, including the development of the iconic Chenab Bridge, recognised as the world’s highest railway bridge.

Extensive Leadership Across Indian Railways

Over the course of his career, Mr. Khandelwal held several senior leadership positions across multiple railway zones and divisions, including South Central Railway, Southern Railway, Northern Railway, East Central Railway, and the Railway Board.

Before his elevation to the Railway Board, he served as General Manager of East Central Railway, where he oversaw key infrastructure and operational initiatives.

As Executive Director (Track Machines), he played a significant role in advancing the “Make in India” vision by helping transform India from a net importer of track machines into an exporter of railway maintenance equipment.

In another notable achievement, he generated the highest-ever non-fare revenue of ₹10,368 crore during 2016–17 while serving as Executive Director (Non-Fare Revenue).

Mr. Khandelwal also served as the first Principal Executive Director of the Gati Shakti Directorate, where he led integrated planning and inter-departmental coordination efforts that contributed to record infrastructure commissioning across Indian Railways.

Strong Academic and Leadership Credentials

Mr. Khandelwal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, and an M.Tech degree from IIT Roorkee.

He has further strengthened his strategic leadership and management capabilities through executive education programmes at globally renowned institutions including INSEAD Singapore, ICLIF Malaysia, and the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad.

Rail Chamber Welcomes Strategic Expertise

Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General, Chamber of Railway Industries, said, “We are honoured to welcome Mr. Anil Kumar Khandelwal to our Advisory Board. His exceptional experience in railway infrastructure, policy, and project execution will be invaluable to the Chamber. His leadership and insights will greatly contribute to advancing our mission of strengthening India’s railway ecosystem.”

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, said, “Mr. Anil Kumar Khandelwal’s vast experience in railway infrastructure development, policy planning, and large-scale project execution will bring immense value to the industry. His association with the Chamber of Railway Industries will further support collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across India’s rail and urban transit sectors.”

Strengthening Industry Collaboration in Rail and Urban Transit

The Chamber of Railway Industries continues to expand its network of experienced policymakers, railway leaders, and industry experts to promote innovation, technology advancement, policy advocacy, and strategic collaboration in the railway and urban mobility sectors.

As India accelerates investments in high-speed rail, metro systems, freight corridors, station redevelopment, and urban transit infrastructure, industry platforms such as the Rail Chamber are expected to play an increasingly important role in bridging collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and global technology partners.