In a key administrative development, the competent authority has approved the appointment of Manoj Garg, a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), as Vice Chairman of the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). Garg currently serves as Member (Projects) at RLDA and will now take over the vice-chairmanship on a deputation basis, in Level 15 of the Pay Matrix, from the date of assuming charge of the post and until 21 November 2025.
The official order approving his appointment was issued recently, reflecting the government’s continued focus on strengthening leadership within key infrastructure bodies such as RLDA, which plays a pivotal role in the monetisation and development of railway land assets across India.
Shri Garg brings with him decades of experience in project execution, engineering design, and infrastructure management within the Indian Railways ecosystem. As Member (Projects), he has been instrumental in overseeing large-scale redevelopment and modernisation projects, aligning with the Indian Railways’ vision of creating world-class infrastructure and commercial hubs.
His elevation to the post of Vice Chairman comes at a critical juncture when RLDA is actively engaged in executing several high-value projects, including railway station redevelopment, commercial land leasing, and transit-oriented development across urban corridors. As Vice Chairman, Shri Garg will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, guiding project execution, facilitating inter-agency coordination, and ensuring the timely delivery of RLDA’s development portfolio.
The RLDA, a statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways, has emerged as a vital arm in leveraging the commercial potential of underutilised railway land. With several Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives currently underway, including the development of stations such as New Delhi, Surat, and Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus, Garg’s role is expected to be central in accelerating these initiatives and expanding RLDA’s revenue-generating avenues.
His appointment is also seen as part of the Indian government’s broader objective to ensure that critical infrastructure positions are helmed by experienced officers with proven track records. Shri Garg’s background in the IRSE cadre, known for its technical rigour and deep involvement in civil engineering works, makes him well-suited to lead complex, high-stakes urban redevelopment initiatives.
Senior officials and stakeholders within the Ministry of Railways have welcomed the appointment, citing Garg’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and timely execution. His leadership is anticipated to bring greater momentum to RLDA’s mission of transforming railway land into modern infrastructure assets aligned with the needs of a rapidly urbanising India.
As the RLDA continues to contribute to the government’s infrastructure expansion and asset monetisation strategies, the appointment of Shri Manoj Garg as Vice Chairman is poised to play a significant role in shaping the authority’s strategic vision and operational efficiency.