Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Ministers Museum and Library

Ashwani Lohani, former Chairman and Managing Director of Air India and ex-Chairman of the Railway Board, has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) in New Delhi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment on June 4, 2025, for a tenure of three years, filling the vacancy left after the exit of former power secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai.

Why in News?

Ashwani Lohani’s appointment marks a significant administrative development at PMML, which has recently undergone a restructuring of its society and executive council. With his rich experience in leadership roles across the tourism, aviation, and railway sectors, Lohani is expected to bring transformative direction to the institution.

About Ashwani Lohani

• A 1980 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME).

Former,

• Chairman of the Railway Board (2017)
• CMD of Air India (served two terms)
• CMD of ITDC (2001)
• CMD of MPTDC (2004–2010, across three terms)
• CEO at GMR Group post-retirement.
• Known for turning around struggling public sector undertakings like ITDC and MPSTDC.

Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML)

• An institution under the Ministry of Culture, it preserves the legacy of India’s Prime Ministers and hosts exhibitions, documents, and digital archives.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the President of the PMML Society.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh serves as the Vice President.
• The Executive Council is chaired by Nripendra Misra, former Principal Secretary to PM Modi.

Key Changes in PMML Governance

• The executive council expanded from 29 to 34 members.

Prominent new members,

• Smriti Irani (former Union Minister)
• Rajiv Kumar (former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman)
• General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd.)
• Shekhar Kapur (Filmmaker)
• Vasudev Kamath (Sanskar Bharati)
• Sanjeev Sanyal, Chamu Krishna Shastry, K K Mohammad, B R Mani

Significance of the Appointment

• Ashwani Lohani’s multi-sectoral leadership background aligns with PMML’s need for institutional modernization and visitor engagement.
• His inclusion in the seven-member executive council signals strategic emphasis on heritage management, public outreach, and institutional credibility.