Hari Shankar Verma Appointed Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board

Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Shri Verma has held several key operational and leadership positions across Indian Railways.

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, he was serving as Director General (Safety), Railway Board.

Distinguished Career in Indian Railways

Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Shri Verma has held several key operational and leadership positions across Indian Railways. His previous assignments include:

• Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Central Railway, Mumbai

• Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Southern Railway

• Chief Passenger Traffic Manager, Central Railway, Mumbai

• Principal Chief Operations Manager, South Western Railway, Hubli

• Director General, Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow

Across these roles, Shri Verma is credited with delivering strong operational outcomes and establishing multiple benchmarks in railway operations, traffic management and institutional capacity building.

Strengthening Rail Safety

As Director General (Safety), Railway Board, Shri Verma played a pivotal role in elevating Indian Railways’ safety performance. With a strong emphasis on systemic reforms and process improvements, the number of consequential train accidents was significantly reduced, marking a major improvement in overall safety standards.

Awards, Expertise and International Exposure

In recognition of his contributions, Shri Verma has been conferred the Hon’ble Rail Minister’s Award on two occasions, in addition to several awards at the General Manager level. He is widely regarded as a specialist in railway traffic operations and management.

Shri Verma has also undergone advanced management training in Singapore, Malaysia and Italy, further strengthening his expertise in modern transport systems, organisational leadership and operational efficiency.

Key Role in Operations and Business Development

As Member (Operations and Business Development), Shri Hari Shankar Verma is expected to play a critical role in strengthening operational efficiency, capacity optimisation and business development initiatives within Indian Railways, supporting its ongoing transformation into a more efficient, customer-centric and commercially resilient transport system.