R. Rajagopal appointed as Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a key leadership move aligned with Indian Railways’ ambitious electrification and modernization agenda, Shri R. Rajagopal, IRMS, has been appointed as Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), Railway Board. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) cleared his elevation, placing him at the apex of strategic decision-making for rolling stock and traction systems at a time of sweeping transformation across the national transporter.

Rajagopal, a 1987-batch officer of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), succeeds Shri Braj Mohan Agrawal, who has moved on to serve as Administrative Member, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). With this appointment, Rajagopal enters the Level 17 Apex Scale, the highest functional grade within the Railway hierarchy.

“Strategic leadership roles like these are vital for shaping the future of Indian Railways. Shri Rajagopal’s appointment comes at a time when sustainable traction, electrification, and next-generation rolling stock are key to India's mobility future,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “His experience, both domestic and global, is a great asset in aligning rail infrastructure with India's development vision.”

A Proven Leader with Global Perspective

With a career spanning over three decades, Rajagopal brings deep expertise in mechanical engineering, operations, and human resource management. He most recently served as Director General (Human Resources), Railway Board, where he spearheaded policy-level reforms in workforce planning and HR systems.

His previous roles include:

• General Manager, Rail Wheel Factory (RWF), Bangalore

• Chairman, Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Kolkata

• Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), South East Central Railway, Bilaspur

• Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer (PCME), East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar

He holds a degree in Public Policy from IIM Bangalore, and has undergone international training in China, France, and Italy, gaining insights into global best practices in railway traction and operations.

Role and Responsibilities

As Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), Rajagopal will steer one of the most critical portfolios within the Railway Board, overseeing:

• Electrification of railway routes to reduce dependence on fossil fuels

• Procurement and development of advanced rolling stock, including semi-high-speed and Vande Bharat trains

• Implementation of sustainable traction technologies, such as green hydrogen and battery-powered trains

• Upgradation of safety and operational standards across the network

This appointment comes as Indian Railways continues its push toward becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency, network electrification, and passenger comfort through new-generation trains and automation.

A Strategic Juncture for Indian Railways

The timing of this appointment is crucial. With large-scale projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), Vande Bharat expansions, and station redevelopment programs progressing nationwide, Rajagopal’s leadership will be instrumental in maintaining the momentum toward modernization.

His track record of innovation, combined with a human-centric approach to management, positions him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rail network that is not only the lifeline of India but also a key player in its journey toward sustainable, high-speed, and inclusive growth.