Jaya Varma Sinha: First Female Railway Board CEO!
In a groundbreaking milestone, Jaya Varma Sinha has assumed the esteemed role of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, making history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position within the Indian Railways.
The momentous official appointment took place at Rail Bhavan on September 1, 2023, where Sinha formally stepped into her new role, marking a significant leap forward in gender diversity and leadership within the railway sector.
Sinha’s appointment as the Chairperson & CEO received the green light from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, a testament to her exceptional qualifications and illustrious career within the railway industry. Her journey within the Indian Railways spans over an impressive 35 years, during which she has held various key positions, leaving an indelible mark on the operations and services of the railways.
Historic Moment: Jaya Varma Sinha Appointed as First Female Chairperson & CEO of Railway Board
Prior to her current role, Sinha served as Member (Operations and Business Development) on the Railway Board. In this pivotal capacity, she oversaw the comprehensive transportation of both freight and passenger services, playing a pivotal role in shaping the railway’s vital functions and future strategies.
In a bid to boost its tourism sector, the Punjab government has established Invest Punjab, offering enticing financial incentives under its Industrial Policy 2022. The state has also introduced an Adventure & Water Tourism Policy and unveiled Punjab’s inaugural Tourism Summit & Mart, scheduled for September. Recently, Punjab Tourism organized a successful 4-city roadshow led by Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann, who engaged with the travel trade fraternity, highlighting the myriad prospects and investment opportunities in the region.
Sinha’s remarkable career has spanned various verticals within the railway sector, including operations, commercial affairs, IT, and vigilance, underscoring her versatility and astuteness in navigating the multifaceted aspects of the railway industry. Notably, she previously served as the Principal Chief Operations Manager of South Eastern Railway, achieving another historic milestone by becoming the first woman to hold this prominent position.
Her contributions extend beyond India’s borders as well. Sinha’s tenure as the Railway Advisor in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh, resulted in the inauguration of the renowned Maitri Express, which now stands as a symbol of enhanced connectivity and strengthened diplomatic relations between Kolkata and Dhaka.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sinha is an alumna of Allahabad University and possesses a deep passion for photography, adding a creative dimension to her remarkable journey.
