In a key administrative move, the Karnataka government appointed IAS officer Vasanthi Amar B. V. as the Special Deputy Commissioner for the Railway Infrastructure Development Company, Karnataka (K-RIDE) on Monday. The appointment is with immediate effect.
A 2017-batch officer, Vasanthi Amar, was awaiting a new posting. She previously served as Special Deputy Commissioner-3, Bengaluru Urban District (North).
Push for Leadership Stability at K-RIDE
The appointment comes amid growing calls for stronger leadership at K-RIDE, especially from Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya, who has urged the state government to appoint a full-time technocrat Managing Director. According to Surya, this is essential for the timely execution and effective management of the much-delayed Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP).
What is K-RIDE?
K-RIDE is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created to implement the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, a long-pending infrastructure initiative aimed at easing the city’s traffic woes. It is a joint venture between the Karnataka government and Indian Railways.
Currently, the dual responsibility of Managing Director at K-RIDE is held by Manjula N, who also serves as the Secretary of the Infrastructure Development, Ports, and Inland Water Transport Department.
The latest appointment is being seen as a step toward revamping the administrative setup of K-RIDE as the project enters a crucial execution phase.
