Dr. R. Gopalakrishnan, an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer from the 1998 batch, has taken charge as the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Secunderabad Division, South Central Railway, with effect from July 24, 2025. Prior to this assignment, he was serving as the Additional Divisional Railway Manager in the same division.

He played a pivotal role in shaping the Artificial Intelligence and Data Strategy for Indian Railways. His leadership enabled the deployment of several innovative digital solutions across multiple operational areas—ranging from passenger amenities and freight services to crew deployment, infrastructure planning, procurement systems, and track upkeep.

Throughout his career, he has held key positions of responsibility. He has overseen operations and commercial aspects within the intricate Mumbai suburban network and managed nationwide petroleum logistics from the Railway Board. One of the most significant accomplishments in his career was the creation and leadership of the Indian Railways’ Data Analytics Unit.

Academically, he brings a strong foundation in both engineering and management. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Delhi, he holds an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi, and earned a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems and Design from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). His diverse qualifications reflect a unique blend of technical acumen, analytical vision, and leadership excellence.

Source/RSB