SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has named Ian Choudri as its new CEO, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s most ambitious rail project. Choudri, who currently serves as Senior Vice President at HNTB Corporation, will step into the role following an extensive national search, taking over from Brian Kelly, who announced his retirement earlier this year after six years of service.
Choudri brings over 30 years of experience in the transportation sector, including high-speed rail projects in France and Spain, which will be crucial as California’s high-speed rail project transitions from planning to execution. “His strong understanding of complex transportation projects will help build on the progress we’ve been making and lead the organization forward on the path to passenger service,” said CHSRA Board Chairman Tom Richards .
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the transformative impact of the project, stating, “This is about transforming ground transportation for the world’s 5th largest economy while showing the nation what is possible with enough vision and will. Ian is the perfect steward for the next phase of high-speed rail” .
At HNTB, Choudri was instrumental in collaborating with federal and state partners on various infrastructure projects, including future connections between Ontario Airport and the Brightline West terminus in Rancho Cucamonga. His deep expertise in project management and complex infrastructure programs has earned him accolades from industry leaders. “Ian Choudri is the right executive at the right time to lead America’s most ambitious high-speed rail project as it advances toward initial operations,” said former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who co-chairs the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition .
Choudri’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as the project achieves several significant milestones. The Biden-Harris Administration has provided historic funding, and environmental clearance has been secured for 463 of the 494 miles of the high-speed rail line from downtown San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles . With station and track construction on deck and the selection of trainsets underway, the Authority is poised to begin operations on the nation’s first 220-mph electrified rail system in the coming years.
The project has already created over 13,700 construction jobs, with the majority benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities. The Authority is also actively engaging 844 certified small businesses in the ongoing construction efforts .
Choudri expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime project that has the attention of the nation. I look forward to joining the ranks of the dedicated employees at the Authority, rolling up my sleeves, and working collectively to make our mark on high-speed rail in California” .
Outgoing CEO Brian Kelly played a crucial role in stabilizing the project and securing vital funding during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Authority navigated numerous environmental and political challenges, bringing the project closer to reality. Kelly noted that his departure comes at a time when the project is transitioning from theoretical to operational, and he expressed confidence that Choudri’s expertise will guide the project through its next phase .
With construction currently active at 25 sites in the Central Valley and efforts underway to extend the initial operating segment to 171 miles between Merced and Bakersfield, the project is expected to begin service in the early 2030s .