CEO of California’s doomed $231B bullet train project suddenly quits

The boss of California’s doomed $231 billion bullet train project has thrown in the towel.

Ian Choudri, chief executive officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, resigned on Wednesday after a stint marred by scandal surrounding the never-ending and massively expensive project, according to CalMatters.

Choudri took a leave of absence in February after he allegedly intervened in a domestic dispute between his wife and his daughter. Police arrested him on suspicion of domestic violence, but the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute.

In another wacky turn, Choudri’s rail authority paid out  $592,900 in “unallowable” expenses incurred by consultants, including rideshare trips to Tiki bars and an “escape room” and first-class flight upgrades, according to a bombshell Inspector General audit.

The rail authority’s chief said he is resigning to focus on “important personal and family priorities.”

“This has not been an easy decision, as leading the Authority has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional life,” Choudri wrote in a resignation email obtained by Cal Matters.

It’s unclear who will take his place. His resignation came during a two-day meeting of the board that oversees the project.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters