Every once in a while, a name emerges from the shadows of obscurity, bringing with it a story that captivates our imagination and inspires us to reach for the stars. **Jaya Verma Sinha** is one such name. In the intricate labyrinth of life, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. In the annals of Indian Railways, her name is etched with golden ink, for in August 2023, she etched history by becoming the CEO and Chairperson of the Railway Board, a historic first in the 118-year legacy of the Indian Railways. But her journey to this pinnacle of success is a tale worth unraveling, a story that resonates with ambition, dedication, and an unyielding spirit.
Jaya Verma Sinha Wiki Biography
Let’s begin our expedition into the life of Jaya Verma Sinha by peering into the very roots of her existence. Born on a crisp September day, the 18th of September, 1963, in the hallowed city of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh (now known as Prayagraj), she entered this world under the nurturing zodiac sign of Virgo. Her ancestral abode nestled in the Baghambari Housing Scheme in Allapur, painting a vivid backdrop to her early years.
Education was a cornerstone of her journey, as she stepped into the hallowed halls of St. Mary’s Convent Inter College, Allahabad, from 1978 to 1982. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, where she embarked on a journey of intellectual growth, pursuing a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). The relentless pursuit of excellence saw her further her studies, delving into the depths of the human psyche with a post-graduation in Psychology from the same university.
Her brilliance, evident from an early age, manifested in 1986 when she conquered the formidable UPSC civil services examination, emerging victorious and securing a coveted position in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS). The trajectory of her career was nothing short of remarkable, but her thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. In 2015, she traversed oceans to enrich her understanding of management, studying at the prestigious SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, Italy, focusing on Advanced Management and Higher Management. Her quest for knowledge didn’t end there; she also pursued a certificate course in Public Policy Economics at the esteemed University of Oxford, England, leaving an indelible mark on her professional journey.
Physical Appearance
In a world that often fixates on the superficial, it’s natural to wonder about the physical attributes of an individual who has scaled the heights of success. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches, Jaya Verma Sinha is a testament to the idea that greatness knows no boundaries. Her lustrous brown hair frames a face that has witnessed the challenges and triumphs of a distinguished career. Her eyes, the windows to her soul, are a deep shade of brown, mirroring the depth of her determination.
Height | 5’3” |
Eye Colour | Brown |
Hair Colour | Brown |
Husband & Children
Behind every remarkable individual is often a source of unwavering support and love. For Jaya Verma Sinha, that source is her husband, Neeraj Sinha, an Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer. As of 2023, Neeraj serves as the Director General of Civil Defense in Patna, Bihar, a testament to the power couple’s commitment to public service. Their journey together has been blessed with the joy of parenthood, and their daughter, Avnika Sinha, is a testament to their love and partnership.
Career
The journey of Jaya Verma Sinha’s career is a tapestry woven with dedication, milestones, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her initiation into the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in 1988 marked the beginning of a remarkable odyssey. Her journey took her to the heart of the Indian Railways, where she played pivotal roles in various capacities.
From her initial posting as the Assistant Area Manager of Kanpur Area in the Northern Railways in 1990 to her subsequent role as the Divisional Commercial Manager of the Allahabad Division, she proved her mettle time and again. Her journey led her to the Centre for Railway Electrification (CORE) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, where she served as the Senior Transportation Manager, contributing significantly to the electrification of the railway network.
1995 saw her ascend to the position of Divisional Operations Manager of the Allahabad Division in the Northern Railway, a testament to her dedication and leadership. Her journey continued to ascend, leading her to the coveted role of Senior Divisional Operations Manager of the Delhi Division in the Northern Railways from 1996 to 2000.
Her capabilities shone brightly as she assumed the mantle of Deputy Chief Project Manager of the Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) in the Northern Railways in 2000, a role she held for five years. In 2007, she embarked on a unique journey as the Railway Adviser in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her tenure there was marked by a historic achievement – the inauguration of the Maitree Express, a train connecting Kolkata to Dhaka, forging stronger ties between the two nations.
Her trajectory reached new heights in 2011 when she was appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Northern Railway in New Delhi, overseeing matters of utmost importance. Following this, she served as the Divisional Railway Manager of Sealdah, Eastern Railway, Kolkata, for two impactful years.
From 2016 to 2018, Jaya Verma Sinha lent her expertise to the South Eastern Railway at Garden Reach in Kolkata, West Bengal, serving as the Senior Deputy General Manager. Her journey culminated in March 2018 when she was appointed as the Principal Chief Operations Manager in the South Eastern Railway, a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
Her journey continued to evolve as she assumed the role of Principal Chief Commercial Manager at Northern Railways in June 2020, where she left an indelible mark.
But perhaps, her most defining chapter began in August 2021, when she joined the Railway Ministry as the Advisor Traffic Transportation and Additional Member Traffic. In this pivotal role, she oversaw the comprehensive transportation of freight and passenger services on the sprawling canvas of the Indian Railways. Her tenure was marked by unprecedented growth, with the Indian Railways registering an all-time high growth of over 20 percent in the freight segment, crossing the monumental threshold of 1.5 billion tonnes annually in freight. Her vision extended to setting the ambitious target of 2,000 million tonnes (mt) in freight loading for the national transporter in the upcoming years, an audacious goal that bore the mark of her visionary leadership.
In January 2023, she ascended to the role of Member of Operations
& Business Development of the Railway Board in the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, solidifying her position as a driving force behind the wheels of India’s railway system.
But it was in the face of adversity and challenge that Jaya Verma Sinha truly emerged as a stalwart of the Indian Railways. As the spokesperson for the Indian Railways, she stood at the forefront during the heart-wrenching Balasore accident, a tragedy that claimed the lives of nearly 300 people. With unwavering resolve, she explained the intricate signalling system of the Indian Railways to the media, a testament to her composure and expertise.
On the historic day of 31st August 2023, Jaya Verma Sinha etched her name in the annals of the Indian Railways, creating history as she assumed the office of CEO and Chairperson of the Railway Board. This remarkable achievement not only shattered the glass ceiling but also set an inspiring precedent for future generations. Succeeding Anil Kumar Lahoti, she took charge on 1st September 2023, and though she is slated to retire on 1st October 2023, her journey continues as she will be re-employed on the day of her retirement until 31st August 2024.
Salary
As the CEO and Chairperson of the Railway Board (Indian), Jaya Verma Sinha is entitled to a salary of approximately Rs. 2.25 lakh per month, a testament to her dedication and the significance of her role in steering the course of one of India’s most vital institutions.
As you delve deeper into the extraordinary life and career of Jaya Verma Sinha, you’ll discover not just a biography but a saga of relentless determination, a narrative that transcends the ordinary and challenges the boundaries of possibility. Join us on this journey through the layers of her life, as we uncover the extraordinary woman behind the name, the professional maven who redefined success, the dedicated wife and mother, and the visionary leader who now holds the reins of the Indian Railways, lighting the way for generations to come.
Get ready to be inspired, intrigued, and enlightened as we unveil the story of Jaya Verma Sinha – a story that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.