For the first time in its history, the South Central Railway (SCR) has placed five of its most crucial departments — Operations, Commercial, Finance, Security, and Medical — under the leadership of women officers. These departments, known for their demanding responsibilities, are central to ensuring passenger safety, efficient train services, financial discipline, and healthcare support.
Heading Operations is K Padmaja (IRTS:1991), Principal Chief Operations Manager, who oversees freight movement, train scheduling, and punctuality.
The Commercial department is led by Ity Pandey (IRTS:1998), Principal Chief Commercial Manager, who assumed charge on August 2, 2025. She handles freight and passenger revenue and business development. Pandey, an award-winning officer and author of Riding the Freight Train, was recognized among India’s leading bureaucrat changemakers in 2024, and in 2023 became the only woman civil servant to complete the 88-km Comrades Marathon in South Africa.
In Security, Aroma Singh Thakur (RPF:1993), IG-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner, spearheads projects such as Operation Yatri Suraksha and Meri Saheli, ensuring passenger protection.
The Medical wing is managed by Dr. Nirmala Narasimhan (IRHS:1989), Principal Chief Medical Director, who supervises healthcare delivery across 40 health units and eight major hospitals in the zone.
On the Finance front, T Hema Suneetha (IRAS:1993), Principal Financial Advisor, is responsible for revenue generation and financial management.
These appointments mark a historic milestone for SCR, reflecting the growing leadership role of women in Indian Railways and their ability to take charge of departments that are vital for smooth train operations, financial stability, passenger safety, and employee welfare.
Also Read: Maharashtra Makes History: Women Lead Top Bureaucratic Positions
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