New Delhi: In a landmark moment for Indian Railways, five crucial departments of South-Central Railway (SCR) – Operations, Commercial, Finance, Security, and Medical are now under the leadership of senior women officers. This marks a significant step in advancing gender diversity in railway leadership.
Women Officers Steering Core Operations
According to an official release, these departments hold vital responsibilities, ranging from passenger services and train operations to safety, financial management, and healthcare. Their leadership is instrumental in ensuring seamless functioning of the zone.
K. Padmaja, a 1991-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, serves as Principal Chief Operations Manager. She oversees train scheduling, punctuality, and freight operations, ensuring efficiency across the network.
Ity Pandey, a 1998-batch IRTS officer, is Principal Chief Commercial Manager, responsible for passenger services, freight revenue, and business development initiatives.
Strengthening Security, Healthcare, and Finance
Aroma Singh Thakur, a 1993-batch officer of the Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPFS), leads as IG-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner. She spearheads major safety initiatives such as Operation Yatri Suraksha and Meri Saheli, focusing on passenger protection and women’s security.
Dr. Nirmala Narasimhan, a 1989-batch Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) officer, heads the Medical Department as Principal Chief Medical Director. She oversees healthcare delivery across eight major hospitals and 40 health units under SCR.
T. Hema Suneetha, a 1993-batch Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer, manages financial planning and revenue growth as Principal Financial Advisor, ensuring fiscal discipline in the zone.
A Milestone in Railway Leadership Diversity
This collective achievement highlights South-Central Railway’s growing focus on inclusivity and leadership diversity. With women officers at the helm of five core departments, SCR has set a precedent for empowering women in high-responsibility roles within Indian Railways.
About South-Central Railway
Headquartered in Secunderabad, South-Central Railway (SCR) is one of the largest zones of Indian Railways. Established in 1966, SCR plays a vital role in connecting southern and central India, handling major passenger and freight traffic, while also focusing on innovation, safety, and efficiency.
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