Jaya Varma Sinha has assumed the mantle of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways. Her appointment marks her as the first woman to hold this apex position within the Indian Railways.
The official appointment took place at Rail Bhavan on September 1, 2023, where Sinha formally assumed her new role.
Sinha’s appointment as the Chairperson & CEO was given the green light by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. According to a Ministry of Railways, this decision acknowledges her exceptional qualifications and distinguished career within the railway sector.
Sinha’s career within the Indian Railways spans over 35 years, during which she has held various positions that have shaped the railway’s operations and services. Notably, prior to her current role, she served as Member (Operations and Business Development) on the Railway Board. In this capacity, she oversaw the comprehensive transportation of both freight and passenger services, playing an integral role in shaping the railway’s vital functions.
To push its tourism sector, Punjab’s government has established Invest Punjab, offering financial incentives under its Industrial Policy 2022. The state also introduced Adventure & Water Tourism Policy and announced Punjab’s first Tourism Summit & Mart, slated for September. Punjab Tourism recently held a 4-city roadshow led by the Tourism Minister, Anmol Gagan Mann, who engaged with the travel trade fraternity, showcasing prospects and investment opportunities.
Her experience has traversed various verticals, including operations, commercial affairs, IT, and vigilance, showcasing her versatility and acumen in navigating multifaceted aspects of the railway industry. Her previous roles and responsibilities include serving as the Principal Chief Operations Manager of South Eastern Railway, where she made history yet again by becoming the first woman to hold the position.Her contributions extend beyond India’s borders as well. Sinha’s stint as the Railway Advisor in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh, led to the inauguration of the famous Maitri Express, which today stands as a symbol of enhanced connectivity and diplomatic relations between Kolkata and Dhaka.
Notably, Sinha is an alumna of Allahabad University. Beyond her professional achievements, she possesses a passion for photography.
