CHSRA Completes 150-Acre Wasco Facility Amid CEO Arrest

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has finalized construction of its southern railhead facility, a 150-acre site in Kern County designated as the primary logistics hub for the system’s next buildout phase. The facility, located near Wasco, is now prepared to receive, store, and distribute materials for the electrification and track-laying work along the Central Valley segment.

This operational milestone was announced on February 3, 2026, during an event attended by state officials. Verification data, however, indicates a significant organizational disruption immediately followed. CHSRA Chief Executive Officer Ian Choudri was arrested on February 4, 2026, on suspicion of domestic battery.

The new facility’s infrastructure includes approximately 10 miles of temporary siding and storage tracks. These were built in a partnership with BNSF Railway and provide a direct connection to the national freight-rail network. This link is designed for the efficient delivery of heavy construction materials and specialized equipment.

On-site assets include a rail storage yard, warehouse space, and facilities for maintenance and operations. A control office to manage logistical movements across the 150-acre footprint has also been completed. The site is central to the authority’s plan to install the track and systems required for high-speed service in the San Joaquin Valley.

Following reports of his arrest, Ian Choudri took a voluntary leave of absence. The CHSRA Board of Directors and the California State Transportation Agency are reviewing the matter. Choudri was appointed to the CEO position in August 2024. The leadership change introduces a new variable as the project advances into its track-laying phase.

With the southern railhead facility now complete, CHSRA possesses the logistical capacity to proceed with mainline construction. The authority must now manage this critical project phase while addressing the executive leadership instability.