IAS Officer Arun Mahesh Babu’s Sudden Inspection Creates a Stir in Vadodara Municipal Corporation

Vadodara, January 7, 2026: The Vadodara Municipal Commissioner, Arun Mahesh Babu, has set the town buzzing after a surprise inspection at ward offices, sending shockwaves through the entire municipal staff. His unannounced visit to the local ward offices caught many off guard, leading to a flurry of activity. Employees, who were usually taking casual breaks or stepping out for tea, scrambled to return to their desks.

During the inspection, Arun Mahesh Babu didn’t just make an appearance; he demanded records from the ward officers and made it clear that negligence and absenteeism would no longer be tolerated. His direct approach has made headlines as he took the initiative to oversee the functioning of the smallest administrative units in the city, something that has never been done before by a commissioner in Vadodara. This sudden move has been discussed widely as a ‘one-man show’ among municipal staff.

The Catalyst Behind the Inspection
The commissioner had been receiving multiple complaints regarding inefficiencies at the ward level. Arun Mahesh Babu issued a stern warning, reminding staff that if they are paid for their work, they must perform their duties diligently. His visit not only unsettled municipal employees but also created ripples among local councilors, who were already under scrutiny for their lack of performance. Staff members, who previously took leisurely lunch breaks, are now fearful of leaving their posts.

Arun Mahesh Babu’s Reputation Precedes Him
Appointed as Vadodara’s Municipal Commissioner in April 2025, Arun Mahesh Babu, a 2013-batch IAS officer, has earned a reputation for his no-nonsense approach. Previously, as Collector of Rajkot, he managed various key projects. His latest focus has been on the city’s cleanliness, infrastructure repair, and the removal of encroachments, especially after Vadodara’s disappointing performance in the recent Swachh Bharat Survey.

Arun Mahesh Babu, who hails from Munnar, Kerala, is known for his multi-lingual skills and academic excellence, holding a B.Tech and an MBA. He is also a TEDx speaker. After his success in implementing the Vishwamitri River Project, he is now under pressure to improve the working of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and deliver better services to its citizens. With municipal elections expected to be announced within the year, the spotlight is on his performance, making this period crucial for his tenure.

A Determined Focus on Cleanliness and Infrastructure
In the wake of recent directives from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Arun Mahesh Babu has been prioritizing improving public services, including increasing cleanliness and repairing damaged roads. His actions have also put the spotlight on local governance and its ability to deliver public goods effectively.