In a significant move, IAS officer Ashwini Kumar (1997 batch, Gujarat cadre) has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of serving as the Principal Secretary of the Ports & Transport Department in Gujarat. This new role comes alongside his existing position as Principal Secretary of the Urban Development & Urban Housing Department, further expanding his leadership portfolio within the state administration.

With nearly 28 years of experience in public administration, infrastructure planning, and policy execution, Kumar has played a crucial role in shaping Gujarat’s urban and infrastructural landscape. His tenure at the Chief Minister’s Office in Gujarat was marked by impactful contributions toward policy implementation, infrastructure development, and urban governance.

Currently, he also serves as the Chairman of Gujarat Urban Development Company Limited and Urban Ring Development Corporation Limited, playing a pivotal role in urban planning and city expansion projects. Additionally, he holds key positions as a Nominee Director on the boards of several major corporations, including GIFT City Company Limited, Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Diamond Research and Mercantile City Limited, Gujarat Town Planning Consultancy Limited, and Gujarat Olympic Planning & Infrastructure Limited.

Kumar’s academic background further bolsters his expertise in governance and policy-making. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, he holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Public Services, Policy & Management from King’s College, London. His blend of technical knowledge and policy acumen has consistently driven forward-thinking urban and transport policies in Gujarat.