Hari Shankar Verma appointed as Member (Operations & Business Development), Railway Board

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): Shri Hari Shankar Verma, a 1987 batch Indian Railway Traffic Service officer, has assumed charge as Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board, along with the role of Ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India. His appointment brings to the Railway Board a senior professional widely regarded for his deep expertise in railway operations, traffic management and safety systems.

Prior to taking over the new responsibility, Shri Verma served as Director General (Safety), Railway Board, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening safety governance across Indian Railways. His elevation comes at a time when Indian Railways is focusing on operational efficiency, business development and technology-led transformation to support rising passenger and freight demand.

Distinguished Career Across Zones and Institutions

Over a career spanning nearly four decades, Shri Verma has held several key field and policy-level assignments across multiple railway zones. His previous roles include Additional Divisional Railway Manager of Central Railway in Mumbai, Divisional Railway Manager of Salem Division under Southern Railway, Chief Passenger Traffic Manager of Central Railway in Mumbai, and Principal Chief Operations Manager of South Western Railway at Hubli. He has also served as Director General of the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management in Lucknow, shaping training and capacity-building for future railway leaders.

In each of these assignments, Shri Verma is credited with delivering measurable improvements in operational performance, passenger services and organisational processes, earning recognition at both zonal and national levels.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, said Shri Verma’s appointment reflects Indian Railways’ emphasis on operational excellence. “With his extensive field experience and institutional leadership, Shri Hari Shankar Verma brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic thinking. His role will be crucial in aligning day-to-day railway operations with long-term business and infrastructure goals,” she said.

Safety-Led Reforms and Industry Recognition

As Director General (Safety), Railway Board, Shri Verma oversaw a period during which Indian Railways recorded significant improvements in its safety performance. Through focused process improvements, stronger monitoring mechanisms and systemic interventions, the number of consequential train accidents was brought down substantially, reinforcing passenger confidence in the rail network.

His contributions have been recognised with the Hon’ble Rail Minister’s Award on two occasions, along with several General Manager-level awards. In addition to his operational credentials, Shri Verma has undergone advanced management training in Singapore, Malaysia and Italy, and is widely regarded as a specialist in railway traffic and management.

Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General of the Indian Chamber of Railway Industries, said the appointment is timely for the sector. “Indian Railways is entering a phase where operational efficiency, safety systems and business development must move in tandem. Shri Verma’s experience across operations, safety and training positions him well to drive outcomes that benefit both the rail system and the wider railway industry ecosystem,” he noted.

As Member (Operations and Business Development), Shri Hari Shankar Verma is expected to play a central role in shaping policies that enhance network performance, optimise asset utilisation and strengthen Indian Railways’ commercial and service-oriented outlook in the years ahead.