Sushil Kumar Lohani (IAS: 1995, Odisha cadre) has been appointed as Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Lohani, who was serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Cabinet Secretariat, has been appointed in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India, with the post being temporarily upgraded to Secretary level.
He succeeds Sunil Paliwal (IAS: 1993, Tamil Nadu cadre), who has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
1995-Batch Odisha Cadre Officer
Sushil Kumar Lohani is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre. He has held a range of administrative responsibilities at the state and central levels during his career.
According to the details provided, he has been serving as Officer on Special Duty at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, New Delhi, since July 23, 2026.
Extensive Administrative Experience
Lohani has served in several important positions, including Additional Secretary, Principal Secretary, Joint Secretary, Director, Municipal Commissioner, District Collector and Magistrate, and Chief Electoral Officer.
His experience across different areas of public administration has given him exposure to governance, policy implementation and institutional management at various levels.
Academic Background
Lohani holds a B.Tech degree and has also completed an online certificate course in Economics.
He further holds an online certificate in Information Technology from the University of Michigan.
New Role at IWAI
As Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Lohani will head the organisation responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways in the country.
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His appointment brings an experienced civil servant to the leadership of IWAI, with the position carrying the rank and pay of a Secretary to the Government of India.