In a historic appointment, Satish Kumar, an officer from the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), has been named as the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Kumar becomes the first individual from the Scheduled Castes to hold this prestigious position in the history of the Railway Board.
Kumar, a seasoned professional with over 34 years of dedicated service in the Indian Railways, currently serves as the Member (Traction & Rolling Stock) at the Railway Board. His appointment is set to take effect from September 1, 2023, succeeding Jaya Varma Sinha, whose tenure as Chairperson and CEO concludes on August 31.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) officially announced Kumar’s appointment, stating that he will be placed in the apex pay scale (pay level 17 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission).
Kumar’s journey in the Indian Railways began in March 1988, following his graduation with a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from the renowned Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur. He has since held key positions across various divisions and zones, consistently bringing innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and prioritizing safety improvements.
His initial assignments included the Jhansi Division of the erstwhile Central Railway and the Diesel Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, where he honed his expertise in locomotive engineering and maintenance. He subsequently served in the North Eastern Railway, Gorakhpur, and Patiala Locomotive Works, making valuable contributions to critical projects that significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of these divisions.
One of Kumar’s notable achievements is his work on the Fog Safe Device, an innovation that has proven instrumental in ensuring safe train operations during foggy conditions. This device, which has become a vital tool for the Indian Railways, effectively reduces the risks associated with reduced visibility during the winter months, especially in the northern regions of India.
Kumar’s dedication to improving this technology has earned him widespread recognition and appreciation.
Between April 2017 and April 2019, he served as the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Lucknow Division on Northern Railway. Before his appointment as General Manager of North Central Railway, Kumar held the position of Senior Deputy General Manager and Chief Vigilance Officer of North Western Railway, Jaipur.
In recognition of his extensive experience and impactful contributions to the Indian Railways, Kumar was recently appointed as the Member (Traction and Rolling Stock – MTRS), a crucial role overseeing the vital aspects of traction and rolling stock across the nation’s railway network.
His appointment as the Chairman of the Railway Board marks his ascension to the highest echelon of the Indian Railways, where he will now play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the railway network in India.
