Mumbai: In a tragic development, Vijay Kumar (IRSME:1988), General Manager of Central Railway (CR), passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday. He is suspected to have died of a cardiac arrest, though the exact cause will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination, officials said.
According to sources, Kumar was found unresponsive at his residence and was rushed to Jaslok Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Railway Fraternity Mourns a Distinguished Leader
Central Railway confirmed the news through an official message, stating,
“Our beloved General Manager, Central Railway, Vijay Kumar, passed away this morning. Central Railway mourns the loss of a noble soul, an efficient administrator, and an inspiring leader whose contributions to Indian Railways will always be remembered.”
His untimely demise has left colleagues and staff across the Indian Railways in deep shock. Tributes poured in from railway officials, unions, and industry leaders who remembered him as a visionary officer and a compassionate administrator.
An Illustrious Career Spanning Over 35 Years
An officer of the 1988 batch of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), Vijay Kumar took charge as General Manager, Central Railway, on October 1, 2025. Prior to this, he served as General Manager of Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), where he led the production of a record 700 locomotives in 2024–25, marking a historic achievement for the unit.
Over his 35-year-long career, Kumar held several key positions across the Indian Railways, contributing significantly to mechanical engineering, locomotive modernization, and infrastructure expansion.
Contributions to High-Speed and Semi-High-Speed Rail Projects
Kumar also played a pivotal role in the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) as Executive Director and Director (Rolling Stock). He was deeply involved in the development of India’s semi-high-speed corridors and oversaw the Talgo train speed trials, an initiative that laid the groundwork for modernizing passenger rail travel in India.
A Blend of Technical Expertise and Administrative Excellence
Kumar earned his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. He also underwent Advanced Management Training in Singapore and Malaysia, further strengthening his leadership credentials.
Colleagues remember him as a grounded yet visionary leader who combined technical proficiency with humane administration, leaving an indelible mark on every post he held.
