New Delhi/Hyderabad: Senior Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer Ity Pandey has assumed charge as the Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM) of South Central Railway (SCR), marking another significant milestone in her distinguished career in Indian Railways. A 1995-batch officer, Pandey brings with her a wealth of experience in both passenger and freight operations, as well as a strong track record of administrative innovation and service excellence.
A Decorated Career in Indian Railways
Prior to this appointment, Ms Pandey served as the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Bhusawal Division, where she earned accolades for launching ‘Rudra’ – a hospital-on-wheels initiative aimed at extending healthcare services to railway employees and their families in remote areas. The initiative proved to be a game-changer in providing accessible and timely medical care in underserved regions.
Throughout her career, she has held key positions across Central and Western Railways, including–
- Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Services) – Central Railway
- Chief Commercial Manager (Freight)
- Deputy Chief Commercial Manager
- Senior Divisional Commercial Manager
- Assistant Commercial Manager
Her experience also spans critical departments like Safety and Vigilance, highlighting her multi-faceted administrative expertise.
Pioneer and Change-Maker
Ms Pandey was among the pioneers in implementing the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) in Mumbai and played a pivotal role as Claims Officer in providing compensation to victims of the Elphinstone Road stampede, a rare case processed outside the purview of the Railway Act, without requiring legal proceedings.
She is also the author of “Riding the Freight Train”, a widely regarded publication offering in-depth insights into freight operations on Western Railway. This work, coupled with her innovative leadership, earned her a place in the prestigious “24 Bureaucrat Change-makers of 2024” list.
Award-Winning Service Record
Ity Pandey’s contributions to the Indian Railways have been consistently recognized–
- Ministry of Railways Award for Excellence and Meritorious Services (2007)
- Women Achievers Award (2016)
- Two General Manager’s Awards
Rail Mantri Rajbhasha Rajat Padak (2025) – awarded for outstanding promotion of Hindi as the official language.
Beyond the Uniform: A Marathoner and Motivator
Outside of her professional life, Ms Pandey is a dedicated athlete. In 2023, she became the only female civil servant from India to complete the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, running a grueling 88 km stretch in 11 hours and 47 minutes – a remarkable testament to her endurance and discipline.
Her academic foundation is equally strong – she is a gold medalist in Psychology from the University of Allahabad.
A Role Model for Aspiring Civil Servants
Ms Pandey’s journey is emblematic of the evolving face of Indian Railways – dynamic, inclusive, and citizen-focused. As she takes the helm of SCR’s commercial operations, her leadership is expected to further enhance passenger amenities, optimize freight logistics, and promote innovative commercial practices across the zone.
