New Delhi: Shri Hari Shankar Verma, a 1987 batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, has assumed charge as Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board, and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India.
Prior to this appointment, Shri Verma was serving as Director General (Safety), Railway Board.
Distinguished Career in Indian Railways
During his illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, Shri Verma has held several key leadership positions across Indian Railways, including:
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Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Central Railway, Mumbai
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Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Southern Railway
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Chief Passenger Traffic Manager, Central Railway, Mumbai
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Principal Chief Operations Manager, South Western Railway, Hubli
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Director General, Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow
In each of these roles, Shri Verma is credited with delivering significant operational improvements and setting notable benchmarks in railway management and passenger services.
Contributions to Railway Safety
As Director General (Safety), Railway Board, Shri Verma played a pivotal role in strengthening Indian Railways’ safety framework. With a strong emphasis on process improvement and systemic interventions, the number of consequential train accidents witnessed a substantial reduction, taking the organisation’s safety performance to new heights.
Awards and Professional Excellence
Shri Verma has been the recipient of the prestigious Hon’ble Rail Minister’s Award on two occasions, in addition to several General Manager–level awards, in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership.
He has undergone advanced management training in Singapore, Malaysia and Italy, and is widely regarded as an expert in railway traffic operations and management.
His appointment as Member (Operations and Business Development) is expected to further strengthen operational efficiency, business development initiatives, and strategic reforms within Indian Railways.
