New Delhi: The Union Government has appointed senior IAS officer Sunil Paliwal (IAS: 1993: TN) as the new Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The appointment places him in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India, with the post being temporarily upgraded to Secretary level for this purpose.
Paliwal Currently Heading Chennai Port Trust
Mr Paliwal is presently serving as the Chairperson of the Chennai Port Trust, where he has been instrumental in strengthening port operations, boosting capacity, and modernising infrastructure. His elevation to IWAI is seen as a strategic move, aligning with the government’s growing focus on inland water transport as a cost-effective and eco-friendly logistics alternative.
A Technocrat with Strong Administrative Background
Paliwal holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and an MBA, and has built a reputation for efficiency and forward-thinking leadership. Based at Rajaji Salai in Chennai, he is fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, enabling him to work seamlessly across diverse administrative environments.
With extensive experience in the ports, shipping, and waterways sectors, he is expected to accelerate developmental projects under the National Waterways initiative, including modernization of inland water transport systems and improving intermodal connectivity.
Atish Chandra Appointed OSD in Agriculture Ministry
In another major appointment, the government has approved the posting of Atish Chandra (IAS: 1994: BH), currently Special Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, with effect from February 1, 2026.
Mr Chandra will subsequently take over as Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, following the superannuation of Devesh Chaturvedi (IAS: 1989: UP) on February 28, 2026.
About IAS Sunil Paliwal
- Cadre: Tamil Nadu
- Batch: 1993
- New Role: Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
- Current Role: Chairperson, Chennai Port Trust
- Education: B.Tech (Computer Science), MBA
- Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil
- Expertise: Ports, shipping, logistics, and waterway management
A seasoned administrator, Paliwal’s appointment is expected to push forward strategic waterway development and strengthen national logistics efficiency.
