On February 20th, 2024, Anil Kumar Khandelwal assumed the prestigious role of Member Infrastructure on the Railway Board, alongside his appointment as Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Railways. A seasoned officer of the 1987 batch of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers, Khandelwal brings over 35 years of invaluable expertise in the realm of railway infrastructure.
Khandelwal's illustrious career has been marked by his instrumental contributions to numerous significant railway construction endeavours across various regions of India. From his early days as an Assistant Engineer in the challenging terrain of the Naxalite-affected South Central Railway to his subsequent roles in SCR, Southern Railway, Railway Board, Northern Railway, and the prestigious USBRL Project, his journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Noteworthy among his achievements is his tenure as the Chief Administrative Officer for the monumental USBRL Project, where he played a pivotal role in the construction of the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge. His leadership as Executive Director for Track Machines at the Railway Board was instrumental in India's transition from being a track machine importer to an exporter, a testament to his vision and strategic acumen.
During his tenure as Executive Director for Non-Fare Revenue at the Railway Board, Khandelwal achieved a remarkable milestone by realising the highest-ever Non-Fare Revenue of Rs 103.68 billion. His tenure as the first Principal Executive Director of the Gati Shakti Directorate saw him breaking down departmental barriers and fostering a collaborative approach to project planning and execution, resulting in a record-breaking performance in project sanctioning and delivery.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Khandelwal is a multifaceted individual with a passion for sports. His leadership as the President of Sports for Northern Railway led the team to clinch the prestigious Kaul's Gold Cup for the best sports performance, a testament to his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Khandelwal's dedication to lifelong learning is evidenced by his participation in strategic management programs at esteemed institutions such as INSEAD, Singapore, ICLIF, Malaysia, and the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad. He is also a distinguished fellow and life member of several prestigious institutions, reflecting his standing as a thought leader in the field of railway infrastructure and beyond.