Satish Kumar Appointed First Dalit Chairman And CEO Of Railway Board

Digital Desk: Satish Kumar, an officer of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), has been appointed as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Railway Board. His appointment is historic, as he becomes the first individual from the Scheduled Caste or Dalit community to hold this position.

Kumar’s term is set to begin on September 1, succeeding the current chairperson and CEO, Jaya Varma Sinha, who will retire on August 31.

According to a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Satish Kumar, Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), Railway Board, to the position of Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board.”

Kumar, an esteemed officer from the 1986 batch of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), has significantly contributed to Indian Railways over a distinguished career exceeding 34 years, as recognized by the Railway Board.

"On November 8, 2022, he assumed the role of General Manager of North Central Railway, Prayagraj, marking another key achievement in his public service career," an official from the Board stated in a PTI report.

Kumar’s educational credentials are equally impressive. He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the renowned Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, and has furthered his education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Operation Management and Cyber Law from Indira Gandhi National Open University.

Beginning his career with Indian Railways in March 1988, Kumar has served in various crucial roles across multiple zones and divisions. His tenure has been marked by significant innovations, efficiency improvements, and critical safety enhancements within the railway system.