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Kris Kolluri steps down as CEO of Gateway Development Commission
Under his leadership, three early construction contracts were initiated on both sides of the Hudson River.
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Kris Kolluri / Image- LinkedIn
Indian-American Kris Kolluri, the CEO and President of the Gateway Development Commission (GDC), a bi-state agency with Board members representing Amtrak and the States of New York and New Jersey, announced his resignation earlier this month.
Kolluri’s announcement comes just as the Hudson Tunnel Project, which involves the construction of a new Hudson River rail tunnel serving New York - Penn Station prepares to enter its critical construction phase.
Kolluri's decision was revealed in a letter addressed to the commission's co-chairs, Alicia Glen, Balpreet Grewal-Virk, and Tony Coscia. "The progress we have made together is historic, meaningful, and measurable," Kolluri wrote in his resignation letter, which was obtained by NorthJersey.com.
"Given the anticipated start of major tunnel construction this fall, it is the right time for me to step down and let the next leader oversee the construction phase,” Kolluri, who was appointed in 2022 by Governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Phil Murphy of New Jersey, said.
Kolluri's tenure, although brief at 18 months, has been marked by significant achievements. He played a crucial role in securing a US$ 6.88 billion full funding grant agreement just ten days prior to his resignation. This agreement was the final piece needed to kickstart the extensive $16 billion project aimed at constructing new rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River.
Under his leadership, three early construction contracts were initiated on both sides of the Hudson River. Additionally, Kolluri was instrumental in hiring a critical project delivery partner to manage the extensive program, which includes the construction of a new two-track tunnel between North Jersey and Manhattan and the repair of the existing 114-year-old tunnel damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
Kolluri was considered exceptionally qualified for the role. His previous experience as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation during the development of the ARC project, Gateway's predecessor, made him a strategic choice to steer the GDC through its formative phase.
Kolluri's task was to establish a robust governance foundation and secure federal trust, ensuring the agency's eligibility for substantial federal funding.
His efforts have set a strong foundation for the Gateway project, with about US$ 11 billion in federal funds directed towards the endeavor, covering roughly 70 percent of its estimated cost.
Interestingly, Kolluri’s resignation follows the recent departures of the GDC’s chief program officer and deputy chief program officer, both of whom were pivotal in developing the commission's governance framework.
Kolluri's successor will inherit the responsibility of awarding at least two more tunneling contracts by the year's end and ensuring that all contractors meet deadlines to keep the project on schedule and within budget.
The Gateway project, anticipated to be completed in phases, aims to open the new tube in 2035, with repairs on the old tunnel expected to be finalized by 2038. This project is crucial for improving the reliability of Amtrak and NJ Transit services, which have been significantly strained by aging infrastructure exacerbated by recent heat waves.
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