In a move aimed at accelerating metro infrastructure development in Bengaluru, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has appointed Maheshwar Rao as the full-time Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The decision comes after a prolonged period of vacancy in the position, following the assignment of former MD Anjum Parvez as the additional chief secretary of rural development and panchayat raj last year.
A recent order from the ministry emphasized that Maheshwar Rao will exclusively serve as the managing director of BMRCL, and the Karnataka government is prohibited from assigning him any other responsibilities without prior consent from the Union Ministry.
Mobility activists have long advocated for the appointment of a full-time managing director, particularly as Bengaluru grapples with escalating traffic congestion, rising vehicle pollution, and a pressing need to enhance public transportation services. With major metro projects on the horizon, the timely appointment of Rao is seen as a crucial step towards achieving these objectives.
Maheshwar Rao, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His diverse professional background includes serving as the commissioner of industrial development and director of industries and commerce. Additionally, he has held the positions of deputy commissioner and district magistrate in Dakshina Kannada and Mandya districts.
Educationally, Rao holds a master’s degree in economics from the prestigious University of Hyderabad, showcasing his academic prowess and multidimensional approach to problem-solving.
