BENGALURU:
In a recent development, there is likely to be an impending change in leadership. The Karnataka government has suggested the appointment of Rajendra Cholan, an IAS officer from the 2008 batch, to take on the role of Managing Director responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Metro project in Bengaluru, a project valued at over Rs 20,000 crore.
Sources have indicated that Cholan’s nomination is currently pending final approval from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s government, before he can assume the position of Metro MD. Upon receiving the green light from the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Cholan will succeed the current Metro MD, Anjum Parwez, a seasoned IAS officer from the 1994 batch who is currently overseeing the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.
Rajendra Cholan, known for his close association with prominent Karnataka figure DK Shivakumar, has been entrusted with significant responsibilities by Shivakumar. Interestingly, while Shivakumar had offered Cholan the option to manage his entire office, he has instead chosen to recommend Cholan’s appointment as the Managing Director for the Metro project. Cholan will be retained as secretary to Shivakumar while he may also get an additional charge of BMRDA.
In addition to his oversight of the irrigation department, DK Shivakumar holds the pivotal position of Bengaluru’s in-charge minister. This role encompasses the management of vital entities, including BBMP, BDA, BMRDA, Bangalore Water Supply, and Sewerage Board. Anjum Parwez has held the position of Metro MD since July 2021.
