Bengaluru: Maheshwar Rao takes charge as BBMP Chief Commissioner

M. Maheshwar Rao assumes office as Chief Commissioner of BBMP, focusing on completing infrastructure projects and urban flooding solutions.

Terming the completion of big-ticket projects under Brand Bengaluru as one of his priorities, M. Maheshwar Rao, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, officially assumed office as the Chief Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Wednesday. 

He succeeds Tushar Giri Nath, who served in the post for nearly three years and will now continue to play a pivotal role in the civic body’s transition as its Administrator, while also serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Government in the Urban Development Department (UDD).

Addressing the media after taking charge, Mr. Rao emphasised his commitment to completing ongoing infrastructure projects launched under his predecessor. “Mr. Giri Nath has initiated many ambitious projects under the Brand Bengaluru. My primary objective is to ensure their timely completion,” he stated.

Mr. Rao steps into the position at a crucial time when the civic administration is undergoing a significant restructuring. The Government of Karnataka has initiated the process of decentralising the BBMP by forming multiple municipal corporations to enhance governance and service delivery in the rapidly growing metropolis. This transition will be overseen by Mr. Giri Nath, ensuring administrative continuity and support during the transition period.

Mr. Rao had previously served in the BBMP as Chief Commissioner in 2018 during the previous assembly elections. He was with the Labour Department. He served as Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of Mandya, Mangaluru, Belagavi and Hassan districts.

In addition to his role in BBMP, Mr. Rao continues to serve as the Managing Director of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Commenting on this, Mr. Giri Nath expressed confidence that Mr. Rao’s dual roles would help overcome many challenges caused by the lack of coordination between BBMP and BMRCL.

Mr. Rao also acknowledged the persistent issue of urban flooding, stating that BBMP had already identified several flood-prone areas. “The BBMP has addressed the problems in many of these areas, but there are still locations where work is pending. I will prioritise these in the coming days,” he added.