In a historic milestone, Jaya Varma Sinha has officially taken on the role of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the history of Indian Railways. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment, ushering in a new era of leadership and diversity in the railway sector.
Prior to her appointment as Chairperson & CEO, Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha served as Member (Operations and Business Development) of the Railway Board, where she was responsible for overseeing the comprehensive transportation of freight and passenger services across the Indian Railways network.
“Jaya Varma Sinha embarked on her career in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in 1988, and her journey has been marked by dedication and excellence. Over her remarkable 35-year career within Indian Railways, she has held numerous pivotal roles, including Additional Member (Traffic Transportation) on the Railway Board. Her diverse experience spans various verticals, including operations, commercial, information technology, and vigilance”.
Sinha holds the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed as the Principal Chief Operations Manager of South Eastern Railway, underlining her trailblazing achievements in the field. She has also served as the Railway Advisor in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during which the iconic Maitri Express, connecting Kolkata to Dhaka, was inaugurated, strengthening diplomatic and rail ties between the two nations.
“In addition to her illustrious railway career, Jaya Varma Sinha is an alumnus of Allahabad University and has a keen interest in photography, further enriching her multifaceted persona”.
Jaya Varma Sinha’s historic appointment reflects the evolving landscape of leadership and gender diversity in India’s railway sector. Her leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and modernization of Indian Railways, further cementing its status as one of the largest railway networks in the world.
