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Key Highlights of Women-Led Departments at South-Central Railway
The five pivotal departments now headed by women are Operations, Commercial, Security, Finance, and Medical.
K. Padmaja, a 1991-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, serves as Principal Chief Operations Manager, overseeing train scheduling, punctuality, freight operations, and efficient network management.
Ity Pandey, a 1998-batch IRTS officer, holds the position of Principal Chief Commercial Manager, responsible for passenger services, ticketing, reservations, station management, freight revenue generation, and commercial development.
Aroma Singh Thakur, a 1993-batch Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPFS) officer, acts as Inspector General and Principal Chief Security Commissioner, spearheading key security initiatives such as Operation Yatri Suraksha and Meri Saheli, focusing on passenger safety and crime prevention.
Dr. Nirmala Narasimhan, a 1989-batch Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) officer, leads as Principal Chief Medical Director, managing healthcare services across eight major hospitals and 40 health units within the zone.
T. Hema Sunitha, a 1993-batch Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer, functions as Principal Financial Advisor, steering financial management, revenue growth, and fiscal discipline, with SCR recording Rs 8,081 crore in revenue up to July 2025.
Significance and Impact of Women Leadership in SCR
For the first time in SCR’s history, simultaneous leadership of such diverse and crucial departments by women marks a paradigm shift towards equal representation in Indian Railways’ leadership.
These departments play indispensable roles in ensuring smooth train operations, commercial success, passenger safety, employee well-being, and financial health.
SCR’s General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava highlighted the organisation’s commitment to fostering women empowerment through initiatives aimed at improving female participation in all domains.
About South-Central Railway and Its Strategic Importance
Established in 1966, South-Central Railway is one of the largest zones of Indian Railways, covering states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
SCR is critical in facilitating passenger and freight transport, contributing significantly to revenue generation within the Indian Railways network.
The zone continues to prioritize modernization, efficient service delivery, safety enhancements, and adoption of sustainable practices.
Profiles of Women Leaders Making History
K Padmaja’s strategic oversight safeguards operational fluidity for thousands of trains daily.
Ity Pandey is noted for her award-winning tenure and contributions to freight development and passenger convenience.
Aroma Singh Thakur’s proactive security strategies have improved passenger confidence and reduced railway-related crimes.
Dr. Nirmala Narasimhan’s leadership ensures robust healthcare infrastructure catering to railway employees and their families.
T. Hema Sunitha’s fiscal governance supports SCR’s financial resilience amid challenging economic conditions.
Conclusion
The ascendancy of women officers to lead South-Central Railway’s five key departments symbolizes not only a historic milestone but also a progressive leap toward diversity and inclusion in Indian Railways. This development promises to enhance operational dynamics, promote innovative leadership models, and inspire future generations of women professionals across the rail sector.
Sources: News18, Indian Masterminds, Telangana Today, Times of India
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