New Delhi: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has appointed Dr. Sachin Balkrishna Sabnis as a Non-Official Director on its Board of Directors for a period of three years.
The appointment is effective from August 13, 2026, and follows an order issued by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. His tenure will continue for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
IRCTC is completing the necessary formalities related to the appointment.
IRCTC Board Appointment Details
With the appointment of Sabnis, the total strength of IRCTC’s Board will increase to seven members.
The Board is currently headed by the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) and includes:
- Director (Finance)
- Director (Tourism and Marketing)
- Director (Catering Service)
- Two Government Directors
- One Non-Official Director
The appointment brings an experienced industrialist and entrepreneur from Belagavi to the Board of the railway-sector public sector enterprise.
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Who is Sachin Balkrishna Sabnis?
Dr. Sachin Balkrishna Sabnis is a Belagavi-based industrialist and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in manufacturing and business.
He studied at St. Paul’s High School, Camp, Belagavi, and completed his Mechanical Engineering degree from K.L.E. College of Engineering, Belagavi.
Before starting his entrepreneurial journey, Sabnis worked with BEMCO Hydraulics and Ashok Iron Works.
Sachin Sabnis’ Entrepreneurial Journey
Sabnis established Sai Founders & Engineers in Udyambag in 1995 and later founded Sai Metals at Machhe.
He subsequently established Belgaum Ferrocast India Pvt. Ltd. (BFPL), where he serves as Managing Director.
The company operates an automated foundry and machine shop and manufactures grey cast iron and ductile iron precision components.
His professional career has also involved extensive international exposure, including business and development visits to the US, Canada, Germany, France, UAE and China.
Industry Leadership and Public Engagement
Sabnis has held several leadership positions in industry and institutional organisations.
His roles and associations include:
- Former State President of Laghu Udyog Bharati Karnataka
- Association with the Belagavi Chamber of Commerce and Industries
- Member of the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Ranchi, following nomination by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India
His experience extends beyond business into industry representation and institutional development.
Role in Belagavi Aviation Initiatives
Sabnis has also been involved in initiatives aimed at improving air connectivity in Belagavi.
In 2018, he was part of the SaveIXG delegation, which met Union ministers in New Delhi to seek the restoration and expansion of flight services from Belagavi Airport.
His involvement reflected his wider engagement with regional infrastructure and economic development issues.
Awards and Recognition
Sabnis has received several honours for his contributions to entrepreneurship, science and technology.
In February 2023, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in recognition of his contribution to science and technology.
He has also received:
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award from TiE Hubli
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award from KLS IMER
His appointment to the IRCTC Board adds another national-level responsibility to his professional career.
What the Appointment Means for IRCTC
The induction of a Non-Official Director brings additional industry and entrepreneurial experience to IRCTC’s Board.
Sabnis’ background in manufacturing, business development, industry associations and institutional leadership could provide an external perspective in Board-level discussions and strategic matters.
The appointment also strengthens the representation of experienced professionals on the Board of the Navratna railway-sector enterprise.
About IRCTC
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. The company provides railway catering services and operates businesses covering tourism, travel services, online ticketing and related passenger services. IRCTC plays a key role in India’s railway tourism and passenger-service ecosystem.
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