Ian Choudri Appointed CEO Of California High-Speed Rail Authority

India-West Staff Reporter

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors has announced that Ian Choudri will serve as the next CEO of its ambitious rail program. The decision, made during a closed session here, was unveiled after an extensive national search.

Choudri, currently the Senior Vice President at HNTB Corporation, brings over 30 years of experience in the transportation sector. His resume includes work on high-speed rail projects in France and Spain.

“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,” Board Chairman Tom Richard said of Choudri.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Choudri said, “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.”

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the broader impact of the project, noting, “Our efforts are bigger than one project – 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 and bringing a cleaner transportation future to California. This is critical to California’s future as we link whole regions – universities and businesses, tourists and commuters – with fast, efficient service from the Bay Area through the Central Valley and into Southern California.”

At HNTB, Choudri collaborated with federal and state-level partners on various transportation and infrastructure projects, including developing future connections between Ontario Airport and the Brightline West terminus in Rancho Cucamonga. His extensive background will be invaluable as the Authority moves towards passenger operations on the nation’s first 220-mph electrified rail system.

Choudri’s appointment comes as the project achieves significant milestones. With historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, it has full environmental clearance for 463 of the 494 miles of the high-speed rail program from downtown San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles, reinforcing its commitment to transforming transportation in the state.

With ongoing trainset selection, and upcoming station and track construction, the project is on a robust path forward, media reports said. The Authority has also created nearly 14,000 good-paying jobs.