Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High Speed Rail Authority, as a key reference point when talking about the past, present and future of the project. California launches 2026 high-speed rail planused. on KFSN ABC 30 Maddy ReportChoudri, who participated in the program, talked about the difficulties in the beginning of the project, the current progress in the Central Valley, and his vision to ultimately unite San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Project Milestone and Early Mistakes
CEO Ian Choudri, who took office in 2024, stated that the project had reached the point of “we will either succeed or not” and turned his focus to rebuilding public trust. Choudri recalled that when voters approved it in 2008, high expectations were created before important details such as routes and job order were determined. Pressure for early federal funding caused construction to be rushed into action before land acquisition and utility relocation were ready. Choudri emphasized that in hindsight, the Administration should have “taken time to purchase the land we needed to build houses” instead of sending developers while thousands of plots were still mired in disputes.
Central Valley Advance Between Merced and Bakersfield
Choudri emphasized that despite early mistakes, the project is now progressing more disciplined. Approximately between Merced and Bakersfield In the 120-mile-long Central Valley sectionguide road construction By the end of 2026is planned to be completed. Then, rail laying works will begin.
The administration is already purchasing materials such as rails, catenary systems and power equipment. To manage the supply chain, a logistics facility was opened in Wasco that receives shipments over the national freight rail network and forwards them to construction sites along the Central Valley corridor. This supply move shows that we are ready to start rail and system works quickly after the guideway is completed.
Vision of San Francisco and Los Angeles
Going forward, the new business plan, expected in early 2026, will extend the service to the north. to Gilroyand in the south to PalmdaleHe said he would outline a strategy to expand. These extensions will make the Central Valley section part of a continuous corridor.
Choudri said if the program secures stable funding and necessary permitting/right-of-way powers, significant extensions connecting Merced, Gilroy and Palmdale will be possible. in the late 2030sHe believes it can be completed (specifically by 2038). Choudri said this project is not a political issue but one with long-term economic value. public infrastructureHe argued that it should be seen as
Visible Structure and Regional Importance
Choudri acknowledged that skepticism will remain until the trains start running, but for now the Central Valley section 97 kilometers of completed guidewayHe pointed to physical progress, including physical progress, proving that the project was “real, visible and accelerating.”
Finally, he focused on what the system could mean for the region once it is operational: A future 45-minute Fresno-San Jose high-speed rail trip would reshape regional opportunities, unlock economic development, and transform regions as seen in countries like Japan and Spain, he said.
