Sanjay Kumar Jain, a seasoned Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) Officer from the 1990 batch, has officially assumed the position of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) today.
With a background as a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), Mr. Jain brings over three decades of diverse experience in leadership roles encompassing policy-making, commercial ventures, and developmental initiatives within the Government of India and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). His extensive career includes pivotal roles in the Ministry of Railways, PSUs, Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance, and other esteemed positions.
Notable highlights of Mr. Jain’s career include his instrumental role as the Group General Manager (North Zone) at IRCTC, where he spearheaded innovative marketing strategies that elevated the luxury train Maharajas’ Express to new heights. Additionally, he pioneered the introduction of India’s first ‘Executive Lounge’ akin to Airport Lounges at the New Delhi Railway Station.
During his tenure, Mr. Jain played a crucial role in the significant growth of IRCTC’s tourism business in the North Zone, which expanded by 35 times over five years. As the Divisional Railway Manager in Mumbai, he oversaw a workforce of nearly 30,000 personnel, managing the city’s vast Suburban Railway Network serving approximately 40 lakh commuters daily.
Mr. Jain’s commitment to initiatives such as the Swachhata Mission resulted in accolades like the “Best Iconic Swachhata Place Award” conferred upon the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) by the Jal Shakti Ministry. His efforts also led to the prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage Award for the conservation of Mumbai Byculla Railway Station.
Championing women’s empowerment, Mr. Jain initiated the operation of the first all-women-run railway station at Matunga, Mumbai, which earned a place in The Limca Book of Records. His tenure was marked by initiatives such as the “Muck Special” train dedicated to collecting garbage along Mumbai’s railway lines, alongside numerous projects aimed at improving passenger amenities and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Jain’s remarkable contributions have been recognized with the Minister of Railways Award for Meritorious Services twice, in 1999 and 2019, reflecting his dedication and excellence in service. Renowned for his visionary leadership and commitment to development, Mr. Jain’s appointment as CMD of IRCTC signals a new chapter in the corporation’s journey towards efficiency and innovation.