Govt Appoints Former Railway Board CEO Anil Kumar Lahoti As TRAI Chairperson

The industry has welcomed the appointment of Lahoti, expressing optimism that it will usher in a period of growth and progress for India's dynamic telecom sector

Prior to taking up the role at TRAI, Lahoti had a career spanning over 36 years in the railways

Source : LinkedIn

The government has appointed the Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Anil Kumar Lahoti, as the new Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The position has been vacant for the past four months after the completion of the term of former Chairman PD Vaghela. 

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Anil Kumar Lahoti's appointment as Chairman of TRAI for a three-year term from the date of assuming the post, or until he turns 65, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, according to a notification by the Department of Personnel and Training. 

The industry has welcomed the appointment of Lahoti, expressing optimism that it will usher in a period of growth and progress for India's dynamic telecom sector. “We are optimistic that the growth and advancement of India's dynamic telecom sector will find new impetus and gain profoundly from his rich experience and guidance,” said industry body COAI's Director General, SP Kochhar. 

Kochhar added: “We look forward to working with TRAI under his able guidance towards achieving the national goal of an empowered and inclusive Digital India.”

Prior to taking up the role at TRAI, Lahoti had a career spanning over 36 years in the railways, where he served in various capacities in Central, Northern, North Central, Western, and West Central Railways, as well as on the Railway Board. Lahoti is a civil engineer who graduated with a gold medal from Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior. He also holds a Master of Engineering in Structures from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.

Lahoti has undergone training in Strategic Management and Leadership programs at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA; Bocconi School of Management, Milan, Italy; and the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

As the General Manager of Central Railway, Lahoti, according to the Ministry of Railways, achieved notable milestones in freight and parcel traffic. Additionally, he contributed significantly to substantial revenue growth through innovative non-fare avenues.