Jaya Verma becomes the first woman to chair Railway Board UPSC

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Picture Courtesy: www.gconnect.in

Context: Jaya Verma Sinha has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Railway Board, which is the highest decision-making body within the Railway Ministry of India. This appointment is significant because she is the first woman to hold this position in the history of the Railway Board.

Key Highlights

Her tenure as Chairperson was expected to last until August 31, 2024.
Prior to being appointed as the Chairperson, Jaya Verma Sinha held the position of Member (Operations and Business Development) on the Railway Board. In this role, she played a crucial part in managing the aftermath of the Balasore train accident, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of 291 lives.
She worked as a Railway Adviser in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for a period of four years. During her tenure in Dhaka, she played a key role in the inauguration of the Maitree Express, which is a train service connecting Kolkata, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Railway Board in India

The Railway Board serves as the executive arm of the Ministry of Railways. It is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Indian Railways.
The Board is headed by the Chairman, who is typically a senior civil servant belonging to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
The Board plays a pivotal role in formulating policies and plans for the development and operation of the Indian Railways. It also approves budgets and oversees expenditures to ensure the efficient use of resources.
The Board is responsible for implementing the policies of the Ministry of Railways, ensuring that the strategic goals and objectives set by the government are carried out effectively.
Ensuring the safety and security of passengers and freight is a top priority for the Board. It establishes guidelines and standards to maintain a high level of safety across the railway network.
The Board promotes research and development in railway technology to modernize and improve the efficiency of the railway system.
The Board addresses public grievances related to railway services, ensuring a mechanism for citizens to voice their concerns and seek resolution.

Overall, the Railway Board plays a multifaceted and pivotal role in the functioning of the Indian Railways. It is responsible for the seamless operation, growth, and development of this critical transportation network that connects people and goods across the vast expanse of India.

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COMMISSION OF RAILWAY SAFETY (CRS): https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/commission-of-railway-safety-crs

MODERNISATION OF INDIAN RAILWAYS: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/modernisation-of-indian-railways

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the historical and contemporary significance of railways in India as a mode of transportation, and how has it contributed to the country's socio-economic development? What are the key challenges facing the Indian railways in the modern era, and what strategies should be considered for overcoming these challenges while further enhancing its role in India's growth and connectivity?

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